Kings XI Punjab upset all calculations, will KKR, SRH make IPL playoffs?

Kings XI Punjab defeated Mumbai Indians by seven runs in a high-scoring contest to remain in fray for the IPL 2017 playoffs. The result has left four teams gunning for three spots in IPL last four. MI have already qualified

A total of 453 runs were scored in an epic game between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab at the Wankhede stadium, but Glenn Maxwell’s team held their nerve to clinch a seven-run win. The result not only means that Kings XI Punjab stay alive in the race for the IPL 2017 play-offs, but Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rising Pune Supergiant face some nervous moments as they aim to seal their spot. (SCHEDULE | RESULTS)

Kings XI Punjab’s seven-run IPL 2017 win against Mumbai Indians has opened up an intense race to make it to the IPL playoffs. (HT Photo)

Following Kings XI Punjab’s victory, here are the play-off scenarios for each of the five teams

1) Mumbai Indians

P - 13, W - 9, L - 4, Points - 18

Next game: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (May 13)

What they need to do: Mumbai Indians might have sealed qualification for the play-offs, but defeat in their last two games has robbed them off momentum. They must win their last game against Kolkata Knight Riders to finish in the top two. If they lose their last game and Rising Pune Supergiant win their last two games, then they will slip to third.

2) Kolkata Knight Riders

P - 13, W - 8, L - 5, Points - 16

Next game: vs Mumbai Indians (May 13)

What they need to do: Their last league game has potentially become a must-win for Gautam Gambhir’s team. If they lose to Mumbai Indians, then they must hope Rising Pune Supergiant do not win one of their games by a big margin. They will be hoping that Sunrisers Hyderabad do not win their last game against Gujarat Lions and that Kings XI Punjab do not register a huge win against Rising Pune Supergiant

3) Rising Pune Supergiant

P - 12, W - 8, L - 4, Points - 16

Next games: vs Delhi Daredevils (May 12), vs Kings XI Punjab (May 14)

What they need to do: For Steve Smith’s team, a win in any one game will seal their place in the play-offs. If they lose both their games, they must hope that Sunrisers Hyderabad do not win their last game. If they lose against Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad win their game, then their final clash against Kings XI Punjab becomes a virtual shoot-out.

4) Sunrisers Hyderabad

P - 13, W - 6, L - 6, N/R - 1, Points - 15

Next game: vs Gujarat Lions

What they must do: For the defending IPL champions, their game against Gujarat Lions is a must-win. If they lose, they must hope that Rising Pune Supergiant defeat Kings XI Punjab in their last league encounter. A win will help them seal their place in the play-offs.

5) Kings XI Punjab

P - 13, W - 7, L - 6, Points - 14

Next game: vs Rising Pune Supergiant

What they must do: Kings XI Punjab have stayed alive in the contest with brilliant wins against Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians. Their final game against Rising Pune Supergiant is again a must-win. Their path will become even easier if Sunrisers Hyderabad lose to Gujarat Lions. If that result happens, then their last league game is a straight shoot-out.