These teams can still make it to the playoffs. Here’s how?

The business end of the tournament is on the verge, the 11th edition Indian premiere league is in its last week. As the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings have already qualified for the playoffs it would be interesting to see, rest of the teams fighting it out to secure a berth in the play-offs.

Five teams are still in the hunt for the remaining two spots with Delhi Daredevils already out of the fray and almost every team needs a win in their next games. With all permutations and combinations let’s have a look at the scenarios of the possible contenders.

IPL, 2018 – Points Table

MUMBAI INDIANS (Points 12, NRR +0.384)

Mumbai Indians won their last encounter against Kings XI Punjab in a last over thriller to keep their hopes alive to qualify for the playoffs. Their last match for this season is against the Delhi Daredevils who are sitting at the bottom of the table with only 6 points to their name with 3 wins.

But things aren’t going to be that easy for the Mumbai Indians, apart from winning against the Delhi Daredevils they will have to rely on other teams results as well.

THE QUALIFICATION SCENARIO:

• The Mumbai Indians should win against the Delhi Daredevils to keep themselves in the hunt and would want RCB to lose against SRH in tonight’s encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
• RCB’s last match against RR will be a virtual eliminator, the team who gets defeated will have no chance this year.
• The biggest plus for MI is their net run rate is the best among all the remaining 5 times which will surely boost their qualification chances.

KINGS XI PUNJAB (Points 12, NRR -0.490)

After a heart-breaking loss against the Mumbai Indians in their last encounter at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, King’s look depleted and they are really struggling with their middle order woes. The middle order of KXIP hasn’t been up to the mark right from the start of the tournament. KL Rahul prolific form has been the mainstay of their batting. The Universe Boss Chris Gayle was looking impetus in the first half of the tournament but the second half hasn’t been the one to talk about.

Now let’s take a look at the possibilities and probabilities for their qualification and analyze the if’s and but’s that are reeling on their qualification chances.

THE QUALIFICATION SCENARIO:

• KXIP’s remaining encounter is against CSK, a team which has already qualified for the playoffs sitting right behind the Sunrisers and are certainly a force to be reckon. KXIP need to win this encounter at any cost as a win will surely keep them in the hunt.
• Not only a win against CSK will do the needful for KXIP but they would want MI to lose their last encounter against DD so that MI finishes with 12 points.
• They would want RCB to lose any of their remaining games which are against SRH and RR respectively. If RCB loose both the matches they would have 10 points under their belt and their campaign for this year will be over.
• RCB’s last match against RR will be a virtual eliminator, the team who gets defeated will be sent packing. RR’s defeat will hinder their net run rate as well which is already in negative.

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE (Points 10, NRR +0.218)

The last two games for RCB have been with some stellar performances both from the bat and ball. Their last win against KXIP in Indore was a proof of many good things coming from their side, the 10 wickets win really help them to boost their net run rate and with that perspective they still remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Let’s dig into their chances for qualifying with having 2 games in their hands for this season.

 THE QUALIFICATION SCENARIO:

• They need to win their remaining two games against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their backyard M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals in Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
• A win is necessary for them even a single loss will alter their campaign for this year.
• They have the second best net run rate among the remaining five teams after MI, this can be a boon to their possibilities for qualification.

RAJASTHAN ROYALS (Points 12, NRR -0.403)

The late flourish has definitely made their chances to qualify for the playoffs. The later part of the tournament has definitely lived up to their chances and they seek a definitive position in the top four. Last match defeat against Mumbai Indians is something thing which they would love to forget so that they do not hinder their momentum going against the Royal challengers Bangalore.

How will they make it, here’s a look.

THE QUALIFICATION SCENARIO:

• With only one game remaining in their campaign, a big win with net run rate boost is what they want to ensure a top 4 finish.
• They should make sure they carry a good net run rate moving forward because when it comes to net run rate the odds are against them.
• A loss in their last game means their net run rate would be effected adversely and their chances will be miserable.

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS (Points 14, NRR -0.091)

Kolkata Knight Riders have been riding hard on their lower order batsmen. The way they have carried forward the momentum especially Dinesh Karthik has been a treat to watch. After their last win against a strong looking Rajasthan side they are surely high on confidence.

Now here’s a look at their remaining fixture and chance for qualification.

THE QUALIFICATION SCENARIO:

• With one game remaining against the table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad, a win will ensure their top 4 finish.
• If somehow they are unable to beat SRH, they should make sure they do not alter their net run rate further, they should ensure a loss should not be by a huge margin.