How Mumbai Indians can qualify for the IPL 2016 playoffs
The IPL 2016 has been a mixed bag for the two-time champions Mumbai Indians who have won 6 out of their 11 matches so far in the tournament and are currently placed at the 5th spot in the points tally. As they square off against Kings XI Punjab tonight, one eye of theirs will definitely be on the IPL 2016 points tally. As only the top four teams can qualify for the playoffs, Mumbai Indians, who also won the tournament last year, will like to make sure that they win tonight to stay in the hunt. The team must be brimming with confidence after their win in the last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore but they will know that the Kings XI side who are currently placed at the bottom of the table will come hard at them as they have nothing to lose now.
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has been in supreme touch in the tournament and he is currently holding the 4th spot in the highest run-getters’ list this season. The talented right-hander has already amassed 413 runs at an average of 51.62 and he would like to carry on his rich vein of form to propel his side to the playoffs.
In Mumbai’s last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Mumbai bowled exceptionally well to restrict a strong RCB batting line-up for a below-par score of 151. Big-hitters Kieron Pollard and Jos Buttler made light weather of the chase as they catapulted Mumbai to a convincing 6-wicket win over the Bangalore-based franchise.
With 3 matches remaining for the Mumbai Indians, how can they make it to the playoffs? We have tried to analyse their chances.
Also read: IPL 2016: How Royal Challengers Bangalore can qualify for the playoffs
First, we should have a look at the current IPL standings
IPL 2016 Points Table
Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | N/R | Net RR | Points |
| 1 | SRH | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | +0.417 | 14 |
| 2 | GL | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | -0.138 | 14 |
| 3 | DD | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | +0.376 | 12 |
| 4 | KKR | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | +0.206 | 12 |
| 5 | MI | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | -0.346 | 12 |
| 6 | RCB | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | -0.041 | 8 |
| 7 | RPS | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | +0.087 | 6 |
| 8 | KXIP | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | -0.567 | 6 |
How can the Mumbai Indians qualify?
- SRH to win by 43 runs or chase in 15 overs
- RCB to win by 14 runs or chase in 18.2 overs
#Both the conditions have to be satisfied.