IPL 2023 qualification scenarios: RR hang on with Dharamsala triumph

Points Table

Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB have consolidated their chances of a top-four finish with their eight-wicket win over SRH in Hyderabad on Thursday, and have an advantage with a strong NRR of +0.180 with a game in hand. They even stand a chance of a top-two finish if both CSK and LSG lose their last games respectively and if they pip MI on NRR in case of a 16-points tie.

RCB are at an advantage of playing the last league game - against GT at home - and would know the exact margin required to win (or to avoid in case of a defeat in a 14-points tie).

Remaining fixtures

vs GT, Bengaluru, May 21

Rajasthan Royals

The win over Punjab has helped Royals to stay afloat for the time being. For them to qualify on 14 points, they would need both Mumbai to lose to Sun Risers and RCB to lose to Titans on Sunday. RCB is ahead on NRR now - +0.180 compared to Royals' +0.148 - and would need to lose by six or more runs chasing 180 or would want their opponents to chase down their score of 180 with not more than two balls to spare for Royals to progress.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Knight Riders have managed to keep their hopes alive with a win against CSK at Chepauk, the first in 11 years. They can get to 14 points at max and can at best qualify in the fourth spot if MI and RCB lose their last two matches, and ideally the winner of RR vs PBKS on Friday doesn't surpass RCB's NRR.

To overtake RCB in case of a 14-points tie on NRR, KKR will need to win by at least 110 runs, if they bat first and score 180 in their last fixture vs LSG at home.

Remaining fixtures

vs LSG, Kolkata, May 20

Lucknow Super Giants

The win against Mumbai in their final home fixture consolidated Lucknow's position in the league table. If they win at Eden Gardens on Saturday, they are assured of a playoff spot and possibly a top-two finish, should CSK lose to Delhi or win but end with an inferior NRR to Lucknow. If Lucknow lose to KKR, they will need at least two of CSK, MI and RCB to not cross 15 points to progress.

If CSK beat DC by 20 runs after scoring 170, LSG would need to win by around 40 runs to go past CSK on NRR and earn a top-two finish.

If CSK lose to DC by 30 runs after scoring 170, LSG should lose by 12 or fewer runs against KKR to end with a superior NRR to CSK to progress.

LSG play their last league match after CSK so will have the advantage of knowing the exact NRR equation.

Remaining fixtures

vs KKR, Kolkata, May 20

Mumbai Indians

MI's path to the playoffs has stiffened after RCB's win over SRH, for a win in their final league game against SRH would take them to 16, which won't be enough for a playoff spot, as RCB, with a game in hand, can match that.

If MI bat first and score 180 vs SRH, they can overtake RCB's NRR with a minimum victory margin of 82 runs. That though, won't necessarily be enough as RCB can better that if they win against GT at home on Sunday. MI can finish in the top-two with 16 points if CSK, LSG and RCB lose their remaining matches, or if RCB don't better their NRR in case of a win over GT.

Remaining fixtures

vs SRH, Mumbai, May 21

Chennai Super Kings

The untimely defeat against Knight Riders has stalled Super Kings' progress - at least for the time being - but the four-time champions still have their fate in their own hands. A win against Capitals in their final league game will assure them of a playoff spot and most likely a top-two finish given they have a superior NRR to LSG who can also tie them on 17 points. If CSK lose to Capitals, they would need not more than two of LSG, RCB or MI to go past them.

Remaining fixtures

vs DC, Delhi, May 20