IPL knockout scenarios: 6 teams still in race for top 4 spots

Eight wins may not be enough for teams to book a playoffs berth this season, but in some cases even seven will do




Eight wins may not be enough for teams to book a playoffs berth this season, but in some cases even seven will do


Kings XI Punjab's loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday made them the second team - after Rising Pune Supergiants - to go out of reckoning for a place in the playoffs of IPL 2016. No team is definitely through to the playoffs yet, although Sunrisers have a foot in the door with eight wins, a net run rate of +0.400 and two matches to play.

Unlike some of the earlier seasons, eight wins do not a guarantee a team a place in the playoffs. The six teams that are in contention can still be tied on 16 points each at the end of the league stage. However, 14 points may also be enough, depending on NRR.

Here's what each of the six teams needs to do to give themselves the best chance of qualification.

Sunrisers Hyderabad
They have to win at least one of their two remaining matches to make their second set of playoffs in four IPL seasons. Even if they lose both games - not by big margins, however - their healthy NRR is likely to take them through.
Teams left to play: Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders
They need two wins from two matches to make their fourth playoffs in six seasons. They can also squeeze in on the back of their NRR should they manage only one win. In fact, Knight Riders' NRR could take them through even if they lose all their matches and finish on 14 points, although their fate will then depend on other results.
Teams left to play: Gujarat Lions, Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mumbai Indians
Unlike Sunrisers and Knight Riders, Mumbai's NRR isn't great at -0.082, and a tie on 14 points with other teams is unlikely to end well for them. So Mumbai's best shot will be to win against Gujarat Lions and hope other results pan out favourably. A big win would help when NRR comes into play.
Teams left to play: Gujarat Lions

Gujarat Lions
Lions will make it to the final four if they win both their remaining matches. One win can also take them through, provided other results work in their favour. But their NRR, which took a beating after their 144-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore, is -0.747. That will cost them should any tie on points come into play.
Teams left to play: Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians

Delhi Daredevils
Wins in their three remaining matches will take Daredevils through. They are a win away from 14 points, which is the minimum requirement for qualification at this stage. Like other teams, they can also qualify with 16 or 14 points, although their NRR of -0.038 means they should take every opportunity to win big.
Teams left to play: Rising Pune Supergiants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers' best chance is to win their two remaining matches and get to eight wins. In this case, only two of three teams - Sunrisers, Knight Riders and Lions - can go above them on points (unless Knight Riders-Lions game is washed out). It is highly unlikely that two other teams end up on higher NRRs than theirs, which is already at +0.640. They could also go through with 14 points, but need other results to work in their favour.
Teams left to play: Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils




Source: ©ESPNcricinfo

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