Rajasthan Royals kept their slender hopes of qualifying for the IPL 2023 playoffs alive, and subsequently, called curtains to Punjab Kings’ campaign, courtesy of a four-wicket triumph in match 66, which was contested at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
With only four league-stage games left to be played, six teams are battling for three available slots in the top four. Let us have a look at the qualification scenarios of all teams, after RR defeated PBKS:
1. Gujarat Titans
Already through to Qualifier 1.
2. Chennai Super Kings
Remaining Fixture: Delhi Capitals (20 May)
Qualification Scenarios:
If they win – Guaranteed playoffs berth; will also result in a Qualifier 1 place if Lucknow Super Giants don't beat Kolkata Knight Riders by a huge margin.
If they lose – Either Royal Challengers Bangalore or Mumbai Indians must lose their last match. Alternatively, Kolkata must beat Lucknow by a big margin.
3. Lucknow Super Giants
Remaining Fixture: Kolkata Knight Riders (20 May)
Qualification Scenarios:
If they win – Top 4 guaranteed, whilst they could also feature in Qualifier 1.
If they lose – RCB or MI must lose their last match.
4. Royal Challengers Bangalore
Remaining Fixture: Gujarat Titans (21 May)
Qualification Scenarios:
If they win – Between Mumbai, Chennai and Lucknow, one team must lose their last match.
If they lose – Firstly, they mustn't lose by a big margin, to remain ahead of Rajasthan on NRR. To add to that, Mumbai must lose their last match, and Kolkata must not beat Lucknow by a big margin.
5. Rajasthan Royals
Remaining Fixture: All 14 matches played.
Qualification Scenario
Three conditions need to be fulfilled – RCB must lose against Gujarat by a significant margin, Mumbai must not win against Hyderabad, and even in Kolkata beat Lucknow, the margin must be slender.
6. Mumbai Indians
Remaining Fixture: Sunrisers Hyderabad (21 May)
Qualification Scenarios:
If they win – One of Chennai, Lucknow and Bangalore must lose their last match.
If they lose – Elimination.
7. Kolkata Knight Riders
Remaining Fixture: Lucknow Super Giants (20 May)
Qualification Scenario
If they win – They not only need a victory, but the winning margin must also be gigantic. In case that happens, Mumbai and Bangalore must lose their last games by considerable margins.
If they lose – Elimination.
8, 9, 10: Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad & Delhi Capitals
Punjab Kings have joined Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals on the list of teams who have already been knocked out.
Better luck next time!