IPL 2019 qualification scenarios: 1 spot, 4 contenders; who will qualify?
Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have already booked their spots in the IPL 2019 playoffs. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore have already been knocked out of the tournament by virtue of being last in the points table.
But there are still four teams that are in the race for that last playoff berth.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab all have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. So let us look at the different scenarios under which each team can qualify.
For Sunrisers Hyderabad to qualify
Sunrisers Hyderabad could have been in a better position had they won the Super Over battle vs Mumbai Indians. But the Hyderabad-based franchise are still in pole position to qualify, and can confirm their berth if they win their last match vs RCB.
Even if they lose the match, they can qualify if RR lose their match vs DC and KKR lose to MI. If these two conditions are met, SRH would qualify unless KXIP defeat CSK by a margin of more than 100 runs.
For Kolkata Knight Riders to qualify
After losing six matches in a row KKR have now won two matches back to back. If Dinesh Karthik's men can win their last match of the campaign, they will qualify if SRH lose to RCB.
It would be almost impossible for KKR to qualify if they lose their final match against MI, as SRH have a much better NRR.
For Rajasthan Royals to qualify
The washout against RCB has badly affected RR's chances of qualifying for the playoffs. Now they need to win their last match and hope that both SRH and KKR lose their respective matches.
On the other hand, a loss will guarantee that they exit the tournament.
For Kings XI Punjab to qualify
KXIP need a miracle to qualify from this position. The franchise based in Mohali would need to win by at least 100 runs against CSK, who are sitting at the top of the table.
They would also need SRH to lose by at least 100, along with defeats for both KKR and RR.