IPL 2018: Playoffs Qualification Scenario for Mumbai Indians

The most successful side in Vivo IPL, Mumbai Indians has put them under severe pressure, and only a miracle can now help them qualify for the playoffs in this season.

They lost their 12th match of the tournament after they went down to the Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets. Following the defeat, it was evident Mumbai wouldn’t be able to finish with 16 points which is generally a criterion for playoffs qualification. However, there are still chances for other teams to sneak in with 14 points.

If the results of all other matches go their way, the net-run rate will come into the equation. However, the road to the playoffs will be a stiff one. First of all, Mumbai has to win their remaining two games against Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils and then hope that the remaining results go in their favour.

They are currently at the 7^th position on the points table with five wins from 12 encounters. However, that won’t be enough, as Mumbai need a favour from other teams to qualify. Mumbai might be hopeful of qualification, as they have the most superior run rate in the tournament which is better than even Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings.

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Here are the three scenarios which need to go in favour of Mumbai if they want to qualify

Punjab and Kolkata need to lose all their matches

Both Kolkata and Punjab have won six matches so far and are with 12 points to their name. Punjab has played a match lesser though. They are slated to meet Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in their remaining couple of fixtures. Punjab needs to lose all the three games for Mumbai’s chances to rise.

The defending champions will also have to pray that Kolkata Knight Riders also loses their remaining two games against the Rajasthan Royals and the Sunrisers Hydebarad. In that case, both Punjab and Kolkata will get eliminated. In that scenario, a couple of spots will be up for grabs and Mumbai have a chance of even finishing 3rd. Along with Mumbai, the winner of Rajasthan and Bangalore match will qualify depending on the result of the game

Punjab needs to win two out of three matches, Rajasthan and Kolkata have to lose at least one

Mumbai can still qualify if Punjab beats Bangalore on Monday which will eliminate the latter from the tournament. Punjab then needs to lose against Mumbai before beating Chennai in their final league game. With eight victories, Punjab will become the 3^rd team to qualify for the playoffs. KKR and Royals at the same time need to lose at least one of their last couple of games which will lead to a three-way tie on 14 points.

However, Mumbai will go through, as they have a superior run rate than all other teams in the tournament.

Five-way tie on 14 points

It is the most unlikely scenario. However, there are chances that as many as five teams finish with 14 points. The two teams with better Net Run Rate will go through to the knockouts. Punjab needs to lose against Bangalore and Mumbai before beating Chennai in the final game.

RCB needs to beat Royals and Hyderabad to end on 14 points while KKR should lose to Rajasthan before beating Hyderabad. It will keep all the five teams on 14 points. However, it is highly unlikely to happen.

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