IPL 2019 playoff scenarios: Four teams in the hunt for fourth spot

The result of the Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad match had massive ramifications for teams like Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab. A win for Sunrisers Hyderabad would have resulted in the automatic elimination of Rajasthan Royals and either of Kings XI Punjab or Kolkata Knight Riders. However, Mumbai Indians secured a thrilling win in the super over and they became the third team after Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings to secure a spot in the playoffs. With just five games remaining, four teams are still in the fray for the fourth spot. Chennai Super Kings are in the top spot and are virtually assured of a top-two finish while Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will be striving to end in the top two. Here is what the remaining teams need to do to seal the fourth spot.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Position: 4

P -13, W – 6, L – 7, Points: 12

Remaining games: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 4)

What they must do: With a loss to Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad must win against Royal Challengers Bangalore. If they lose to Royal Challengers Bangalore, they will have to hope Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals and that Kolkata Knight Riders either lose to Kings XI Punjab or Mumbai Indians while Kings XI Punjab lose one out of their two games. However, they have the best net run-rate and that could help them in the playoffs.

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Rajasthan Royals

Position: 5

P – 13, W – 5, L – 7, Points: 11

Remaining games: vs Delhi Capitals (May 4)

What they must do: With Sunrisers Hyderabad losing to Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals are alive and they will have to win against Delhi Capitals. If they lose, they are out of the race. If Rajasthan Royals win, they will have to hope Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab win only one game and that Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Position: 6

P – 12, W – 5, L – 7, Points: 10

Remaining games: vs Kings XI Punjab (May 3), vs Mumbai Indians (May 5)

What they must do: With Sunrisers Hyderabad losing by a small margin, Kolkata Knight Riders have to win both their games by a big margin. If they lose one game, they will have to win their other game by a massive margin. They will have to hope Royal Challengers Bangalore lose to Sunrisers Hyderabad and that Rajasthan Royals lose to Delhi Capitals.

Kings XI Punjab

Position: 7

P – 12, W – 5, L – 7, Points: 10

Remaining games: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (May 3), vs Chennai Super Kings (May 5)

What they must do:  They have to win both their games. Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders are in the same boat. If Kings XI Punjab wins both their games, they will knock Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals out. If they win one of their games, they will have to hope Sunrisers Hyderabad lose to Royal Challengers Bangalore by a big margin.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab square off in a massive clash on Friday.
• Rajasthan Royals need to win against Delhi Capitals.
• A loss for Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game might see them getting eliminated.