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IPL 2020 Qualification Scenarios: Who will qualify & miss out? | IPL 2020 Qualification Scenarios? Who has to win what to qualify for the playoffs?
The business end of the league stage of the IPL 2020 nears as the competition between the teams for a spot in the playoffs heats up. All teams have played a minimum of 12 matches, and a number of scenarios remain possible. The defending champions Mumbai Indians lead with 16 points, followed by Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 14 points.
MI’s NRR of +1.186 means that they are all-but-confirmed to play in the playoffs this season. Also, one win out of their last two would officially sew up a top two finish.
The mid-table muddle is between four sides at the moment with Kings XI Punjab placed at 4th spot at 12 points, courtesy of their superb run of five straight wins. Kolkata Knight Riders are also on 12 points, but have a terrible net run rate of -0.479, which means that they will need to win their last two games to give themselves a stronger chance of making the playoffs.
We try to figure out what could be the possible qualification scenarios for all seven sides, below.
Mumbai Indians
Games: 12, Points: 16, NRR: +1.186
With 16 points from 12 games so far, and a very strong net run rate, MI’s place in the playoffs is all but confirmed. They need one more win to sew up a top two spot.
Remaining fixtures: DC, SRH
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Games: 12, Points: 14, NRR: +0.048
Royal Challengers Bangalore have lost two games in a row, and need a pick up in form. Their performance vs CSK last weekend was flat, and they couldn’t get over the line against MI. So, their next game against SRH will be a vital one, as a win will go a very long way to sealing a playoffs spot. If they lose that match, then their last game against DC could be must-win to qualify as KXIP, KKR, SRH and RR are all in the hunt.
Remaining fixtures: SRH and DC
Delhi Capitals
Games: 12, Points: 14, NRR: +0.03
Like RCB, Delhi Capitals have fallen away a little. They have suffered two defeats in a row, both of which have been thumpings (59 runs vs KKR and 88 runs vs SRH). So, all of a sudden, after looking comfortable, DC are in shaky territory. They have two tough and crucial games remaining (MI and RCB) and need to win at least one (and ensure they don’t lose too heavily if they do) to qualify.
Remaining fixtures: MI and RCB
Kings XI Punjab
Games: 12, Points: 12, NRR: -0.049
Incredible turnaround. KXIP are the favourites according to many for the fourth spot, after a superb run of five straight wins. This turnaround is quite remarkable, after starting their season on a horrid note, winning just one of their first seven games to languish at the bottom of the table.
But having won their last five matches, including a miracle win over SRH and wins vs all top three teams, KXIP are looking more confident and settled. The next game against RR is crucial, as their destiny is pretty much in their hands now given their better net run rate compared to KKR.
Remaining fixtures: RR, CSK
Kolkata Knight Riders
Games: 12, Points: 12, NR: -0.479
KKR’s terrible net run rate could cost them. They have underperformed somewhat in IPL 2020 given the talent at their disposal. So, given their net run rate, they must beat CSK on 29 October to get back into the top four. If they lose, then they will be hoping that Kings XI Punjab loses their game vs Rajasthan Royals on 30 October so that KKR stay level with KXIP. If that happens, though, RR will move above KKR, with KKR and RR going head-to-head in their final league match.
Remaining fixtures: CSK, RR
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Games: 12, Points: 10, NRR: +0.396
What a performance against DC. Sunrisers Hyderabad threw caution to the wind, smashing 219/2 to eventually win by 88 runs. Their net run rate is second-best to Mumbai Indians, which could count for plenty.
However, SRH will need to win their last two games and hope KXIP and KKR win a maximum of one each. This is because RR play both KXIP and KKR, and if RR win both those matches, they will finish on 14 points. If KKR and KXIP win one match each, both will finish on 14. If SRH only win one of their last two, they will finish on 12.
Remaining fixtures: RCB, MI
Rajasthan Royals
Games: 12, Points: 10, NRR: -0.505
Five teams could finish on 14 points. If RR win their last two games (after a superb Stokes-led win vs MI), they will finish on 14 points. Should KXIP and KKR both beat CSK but lose to RR, then they will finish on 14. If SRH beat MI and RCB, they too will finish on 14. If DC lose their last two, they will finish on 14. Same applies to RCB. So, the focus for RR would be to beat KXIP and KKR to put the pressure on the likes of SRH, MI and DC in their final games. Their net run rate of -0.505 could be a serious issue, though.
Remaining fixtures: KXIP, KKR
Chennai Super Kings
Eliminated.
Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.
