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Punjab Kings (PBKS) have finally got the victory. PBKS has broken the losing streak of 6 consecutive matches. On the back of Shreyas Iyer’s (101 not out) maiden IPL century, PBKS kept their playoff hopes alive by registering a big win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday (May 23). Now his fate is in the hands of Mumbai Indians (MI). Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will also pray for MI’s victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Why so? Let us explain the complete scenario to you.

PBKS-KKR eyes on RR vs MI match

After the win against LSG in the ‘do or die’ match, PBKS has 15 points from 14 matches. He is currently at fourth position in the points table. Rajasthan Royals (RR) are at fifth position with 14 points from 13 matches. Whereas KKR has 13 points from 13 matches and is at sixth position in the table. If RR beats MI in today’s (Sunday) afternoon match then the hopes of PBKS and KKR will be dashed. RR will capture the last spot of the playoffs with 16 points. If MI wins then the luck of PBKS and KKR can shine.

If MI wins, RR will remain at 14 points and their bag will be tied. If this happens then the fourth team to reach the playoffs will be one of PBKS and KKR. Whose net run rate is better among the two will qualify for the playoffs. At present the net run rate of PBKS (0.309) is much better than KKR (0.011).

What will KKR have to do if MI wins?

The last league stage match of IPL 2026 will be played between KKR and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata from 7:30 pm on Sunday. If MI wins against RR at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, KKR will have to beat DC by a huge margin to overtake PBKS in terms of net run rate.

Suppose KKR scores 200 runs while batting first at Eden Gardens, then they will have to win by at least 77 runs, only then things will be settled for them. Whereas if DC scores 200 runs then KKR will have to achieve this target between 12.1 overs to 12.4 overs to reach the playoffs.