New Delhi, May 22: The fading smile on Virender Sehwag’s face said it all. Lady luck played her part yet once again as the Delhi Daredevils were forced to split points with Kolkata Knight Riders in what for the hosts a crucial tie at the Ferozshah Kotla here on Thursday.

Locked in the race for a semi-final berth, the two points would have gone a long way in boosting the home team’s chances. Kolkata, on the other hand, are all but out of the tournament.

Persistent showers in the last 24 hours deprived the capacity crowd of any action, and they waited in hope as the groundsmen toiled till the very last minute. There was hope of some action as covers finally came off at around 9:30 pm, evoking cheers from the packed house. The rain gods, however, had the final say, the match referee finally calling off the match at 10 pm.

Thursday’s results now puts the Daredevils into a must-win situation against the Mumbai Indians. More than that, they will also have to keep a close watch on the remaining ties. And pray.

Rajasthan Royals are already through, and Kings XI are almost assured of their last-four berth. That leaves three teams in the fray for the remaining berths. Chennai Super Kings (14 points) still have two games in hand, while the Mumbai Indians (12 points) are left with three.

The Daredevils will first have to come out all guns firing against Mumbai on Saturday — if the weather permits — and then hope that Chennai lose all their games, and Mumbai lose at least one.

They also have themselves to blame for the situation they are in. Placed fourth with 13 points, the home team will rue the crucial points they frittered away in the rain-hit tie against the Kings XI and the last-minute loss against the Super Kings.

Said commentator and former India captain Ravi Shastri, "Delhi have compounded their problems. They only have themselves to blame now. They erred at crucial times, and threw away games they should have won. They were the most splendid team in the tournament and should have been in the semis at least."