Hyderabad : The race to playoffs for the ongoing IPL is expected to be a cliffhanger. As all eight teams have a realistic chance of making it to the playoffs by finishing in the top four of the IPL points table. With 12 matches still to go, here is how the teams can squeeze through.
Chennai Super Kings
Outclassing Delhi Capitals in their next encounter will more or less guarantee them a top two finish and will place them in the driver's seat.
Mumbai Indians
With three matches still to go and a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.537, The team are in an advantageous position of finishing in the top 2. They have three matches still to be played.
Delhi Capitals
The team needs to win just one of their three remaining matches - against RCB, CSK and RR - to qualify for the playoffs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
With an NRR of 0.654 - the best in the tournament so far , Sunrisers Hyderabad have a good chance of making it to the playoffs by winning only two out of their next four matches. Winning three matches will guarantee them a berth in the next round. They would be keen to win against RR and KXIP as after that David Warner and Shakib Al Hasan will leave for national duties.
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Kings XI Punjab
It might turn out to be a shootout between KXIP and SRH for a spot in the playoffs. To ensure their poor NRR of -0.117 doesn’t come into effect, Kings XI would want to win all three of their remaining matches. They are scheduled to face the mighty SRH, KKR and CSK next.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Having suffered their sixth straight loss , two-time champions are left with no options but to win all their remaining matches to stand a chance to make it to the playoffs. The factor that might go in KKR’s favour is their NRR of -0.050, which is the best among the last four teams in the IPL standings.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals will have to depend on the results of the other matches even if they manage to win their remaining three encounters. Because of their poor NRR, they would need the table toppers CSK, MI and DC beat their respective opponents inspite after winning their matches against SRH, RCB and DC.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Inspite of a hat-trick of wins , RCB are on the verge of crashing out in the group stages itself as they have least chances of finishing in the top four. Not only do they have the worst NRR (-.683) , they are left with no options other than outclassing the mighty DC, SRH, and RR. Even that might not be enough .
