RPS loss gives Sunrisers Hyderabad, KKR chance to win IPL play-off spots

Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) failed to seal as spot for the knockouts after losing to Delhi Daredevils (DD) and this has given Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) a lifeline, while Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders can seal their Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs slots by winning their respective matches tonight (SRH play Gujarat Lions, KKR play Mumbai Indians).

The race to qualify for the last three spots in IPL 2017 play-off race has gone down to the last weekend of the league stages. With Rising Pune Supergiant losing by seven runs to Delhi Daredevils, the likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab have been given one more chance to finish anywhere in the top four in the points table. (Highlights) (Scorecard)

Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) batsman Ben Stokes walks back to the dugout after getting dismissed during the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Delhi Daredevils in New Delhi on Friday. (AFP)

Here is what each of the five teams need to do to seal a play-off spot

1) Mumbai Indians

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

Game remaining: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (May 13)

What they must do: A win for Mumbai Indians will help them seal the top spot. However, with Rising Pune Supergiant losing to Delhi Daredevils and with a poor net run-rate for Steve Smith’s team, they are assured of a top two finish even if they lose.

2) Kolkata Knight Riders

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

Game remaining: vs Mumbai Indians (May 13)

What they must do: Gautam Gambhir’s team are virtually through to the play-offs. If they win against Mumbai Indians, they are through. However, if they lose, they must hope that Sunrisers Hyderabad do not win against Gujarat Lions and that Kings XI Punjab do not win by a massive margin.

If they lose and Rising Pune Supergiant win against Kings XI Punjab, then they will finish in third or fourth spot depending upon Sunrisers Hyderabad’s result

3) Rising Pune Supergiant

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

Game remaining: vs Kings XI Punjab (May 14)

What they must do: After their loss to Delhi Daredevils, Rising Pune Supergiant’s last game against Kings XI Punjab is a virtual shoot-out. If they win, they are through. If they lose, they have to hope that Gujarat Lions beat Sunrisers Hyderabad.

4) Sunrisers Hyderabad

P - 13, W - 7, L - 5, N/R - 1, Points - 15

Game remaining: vs Gujarat Lions (May 13)

What they must do: A win puts the defending IPL champions through. If they lose, they must hope that Rising Pune Supergiant beat Kings XI Punjab in their last game. If Kings XI Punjab win, then Sunrisers Hyderabad will be knocked out.

5) Kings XI Punjab

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

Game remaining: vs Rising Pune Supergiant (May 14)

What they must do: For them, the equation is simple. A loss in their last league game and they are out. If they win, then they knock Rising Pune Supergiant out provided Sunrisers Hyderabad win. If Sunrisers Hyderabad lose to Gujarat Lions, then a win for Kings XI Punjab knocks the defending champions out.