Suryakumar Yadav's stunning 35-ball 83 and Nehal Wadhera's unbeaten 52 handed Mumbai Indians a comprehensive six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday. Despite a fourth century stand of the season between Faf du Plessis (65 off 41) and Glenn Maxwell (68 off 33), RCB could put up 199 on board. That would have been a tall score once but not anymore. The victory lifted Mumbai Indians to the third spot in the points table. RCB are seventh. (More Cricket News)
With the league stage ending on May 21, here’s how the playoff scenario looks like for the likes of MI, RCB, CSK and DC.
Mumbai Indians bolster their playoff chance:
The May 9 win over RCB has given MI a chance to finish in the top-half of the table. If Mumbai win their last three games, Rohit Sharma's boys could end up second in the table. MI's next opponents are Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans, the reigning champions. To improve their qualification chances, MI must boost their Net Run-Rate (-0.255).
RCB's faltering season:
Despite bearing the Orange Cap holder in their ranks (captain Faf du Plessis with 576 runs in 11 matches), RCB's chances of qualifying seem tricky. Currently No. 7 on the table, RCB will look to gain wins against the likes of Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in their away matches. However, another defeat could spell doom for the Bengaluru franchise.
MS Dhoni's CSK eyeing top-spot:
Dhoni and Co. have picked up 13 points from 11 games this season and are looking set for a Playoffs spot. Their recent win over MI at the Chepauk has lifted the mood in the Yellow Brigade camp. CSK's healthy Net Run-Rate (+0.409) puts them in a comfortable spot. They take on Delhi Capitals (home), Kolkata Knight Riders (home) and DC (away) again in their remaining fixtures this season. Two wins out of the three could see them seal the playoffs spot.
Could DC do it for Rishabh Pant this year?
Delhi Capitals take on CSK at the Chepauk on Wednesday and if they are to upset the Yellow Brigade, it would definitely mean an upturn in their fortunes. The David Warner-led side will have to win three of their last four remaining matches to remain in contention for the playoffs race. If DC win all their remaining games (16 points), they will have to make sure their NRR has to be on the positive side (-0.529). DC could also end up getting the fourth spot if other results go their way and they get 14 from a possible 16 points.
After a bright start, RR's season boiling over:
After a decent start, Rajasthan Royals' season seems to have hit a roadblock. The Sanju Samson-led side have lost the last three games and are now at a critical juncture. With 10 points from 11 matches, RR's qualifying scenario is pretty simple – win all their games in hand. Anything less than that and it's virtually 'adios amigos' for the Royals who have seen the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal excel this season. RR's next fixtures are against Kolkata Knight Riders (May 11), Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 14) and Punjab Kings (May 19).
It's only Jeetbo for KKR now:
Just like RR, Nitish Rana's men need to win their remaining three fixtures to stand a chance of qualifying for the playoffs. KKR's Net Run-rate is -0.079 and they must better it in their remaining fixtures. With matches against Rajasthan Royals (May 11), Chennai Super Kings (May 14) and the Lucknow Super Giants (May 20) next, Kolkata Knight Riders must bring their 'A-game' to the fore if they are to finish in the top-four.
LSG depending on a miracle:
With regular skipper KL Rahul out for the season, Krunal Pandya has taken over the reins. LSG have accumulated 11 points from 11 games played and must win their remaining three matches if they want to be in the playoffs. Also, LSG will need other results go their way. LSG's next three matches are against Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 13), Mumbai Indians (May 16) and Kolkata Knight Riders (May 20).
PBKS' 'Shikhar' just got tougher:
If Punjab Kings win their remaining three games and gather 16 points, it might not be enough. The Shikhar Dhawan-led team has a Net Run-rate of -0.441 and must at least try to win one game with a huge margin if they are to stand a chance. PBKS are also dependent on other teams' results. Their next three matches are against the Delhi Capitals (May 13), Delhi Capitals (May 17), and Rajasthan Royals (May 19).
Gujarat Titans a cut above the rest:
The reigning champions are almost on the cusp of qualifying for the playoffs. With 16 points from 11 games, Hardik Pandya's squad will seal the spot if they win one game from the remaining three matches. However, if GT do lose their three matches, they could still make it through albeit if other teams don't overtake them in points and NRR. GT’s next three matches are against the Mumbai Indians (May 12), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 15), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 21).
