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The race for the playoffs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has become interesting. Only 8 matches are left in the league stage but at present Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is the only team which has qualified for the playoffs. RCB confirmed its place in the top-4 by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the afternoon match played in Dharamshala on Sunday (May 17). RCB is at number-1 in the points table with 9 wins in 13 matches.

In the second match on Sunday, Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR). When invited to bat first, RR had scored 193 runs at the loss of 8 wickets, which DC achieved by losing 5 wickets in 19.4 overs. The team captained by Akshar Patel has kept its hopes alive in the playoffs with this victory. Besides, he has also increased the chances of PBKS and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

How does PBSK-CSK benefit from DC’s victory?

If RR team had won against DC, then the problems of PBKS and CSK could have increased further. This is because RR would have had a chance to reach 18 points. Whereas PBKS and CSK can reach only 15 and 16 points respectively. After the defeat at the hands of DC, now the team captained by Riyan Parag will be able to reach only 16 points. CSK also has a chance to reach the same number of points. The net run rate of both the teams is also the same. In such a situation, how RR and CSK perform in their last two matches will decide where they will finish.

With the victory of DC, the path of PBKS, which has lost 6 consecutive matches, has become a bit easier. If RR loses one of its remaining two matches and CSK also does not win more than 1 match, then PBKS can reach the playoffs by defeating Lucknow Super Giants in their last match.