Playoffs race - Four teams, two spots after RCB crash out
ESPNcricinfo looks at how the qualification scenarios will be affected by the result of the Sunrisers-KKR game
S Rajesh
19-May-2018
With three league games to go, four other teams are fighting for the last two playoffs spots, after Royal Challengers' elimination earlier today. ESPNcricinfo looks at how the qualification scenarios will be affected by the results of Saturday's second game between Sunrisers Hyderabad (18 points, 0.319 NRR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (14 points, -0.091 NRR).
If Sunrisers win
KKR will still qualify if their NRR doesn't drop below that of Royals or Kings XI (if they win on Sunday). Given that Royals have improved their NRR to -0.250, KKR's NRR will drop to below that number if they lose by 45 or more runs, chasing 180. Else they will stay above Royals even they lose.
Royals have moved to 14 after beating RCB, but their qualification still depend on other results. First, for them to beat KKR's NRR, they would have to hope that KKR lose by 45 or more runs, as mentioned above. Also, Mumbai Indians have a much better NRR than Royals and will qualify ahead of them if they win, while Kings XI have an outside chance too.
Mumbai will qualify if they beat Daredevils, but will be out if they lose.
Kings XI not only have to win, but also get past the NRR of one of KKR or Royals, and hope that Mumbai lose to Daredevils. If Mumbai win, then Kings XI will have to beat the NRRs of both Royals and KKR. Since they play last, though, they will know exactly what is required. At the moment, Kings XI will have to win by 53 if they score 180, to surpass Royals' NRR
If Knight Riders win
KKR will qualify with 16 points. However, to finish second ahead of CSK, KKR will have to win by a handy margin, and hope that CSK lose their last game quite convincingly too.
Royals will need Mumbai to lose on Sunday, but also hope Kings XI don't overtake them on NRR if Kings XI beat CSK.
Kings XI will need Mumbai to lose, while they will have to beat CSK by 53 runs if they score 180, to go past Royals on NRR.
Mumbai will have to beat Daredevils to qualify.
S Rajesh is stats editor of ESPNcricinfo. @rajeshstats