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NEW DELHI: The race for the final IPL 2026 playoff spot is now down to just three teams after Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets in their final league-stage match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Powered by skipper Shreyas Iyer’s magnificent unbeaten 101, Punjab Kings rediscovered their winning touch after suffering six consecutive defeats and stayed alive in the playoff race with a crucial victory.
Punjab Kings now wait on RR vs MI result
Punjab Kings have completed all their league matches. After enduring a six-match losing streak, PBKS bounced back strongly against LSG to reclaim fourth place on the points table.
The victory took Punjab Kings to 15 points from 14 matches.
However, their fate is no longer in their own hands.
PBKS must now wait anxiously for Sunday’s clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in Mumbai.
PBKS will be hoping Rajasthan Royals lose to already-eliminated Mumbai Indians.
They will also want Kolkata Knight Riders to either lose or fail to register a big win.
- Ideal scenario for PBKS:
- RR lose to MI
- DC beat KKR
Simple equation for Rajasthan Royals
The equation for Rajasthan Royals is straightforward - win and qualify.
RR currently have 14 points. A win over Mumbai Indians will take them to 16 points and seal a playoff berth as the fourth-placed side.
However, a defeat would knock them out of the tournament.
- Ideal scenario for RR:
- Beat MI
KKR still alive, but need a miracle
Kolkata Knight Riders, who have 13 points, also remain mathematically alive ahead of their final league game against Delhi Capitals.
KKR need a huge win over Delhi Capitals and also require Rajasthan Royals to lose against Mumbai Indians.
If RR lose and KKR win, then both KKR and PBKS will finish on 15 points, bringing net run rate into the equation. KKR have a net run rate of +0.011 and PBKS have +0.309.
- Ideal scenario for KKR:
- KKR beat DC by huge margin
- RR lose to MI
Delhi Capitals knocked out
Delhi Capitals’ slim playoff hopes depended on Punjab Kings losing to Lucknow Super Giants.
However, PBKS’ victory officially eliminated Delhi Capitals from the tournament.
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Q) | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 18 | +0.783 |
| 2 | Gujarat Titans (Q) | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 18 | +0.695 |
| 3 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (Q) | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 18 | +0.524 |
| 4 | Punjab Kings | 14 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 15 | +0.309 |
| 5 | Rajasthan Royals | 13 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 14 | +0.083 |
| 6 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 13 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 13 | +0.011 |
| 7 | Chennai Super Kings (E) | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 12 | -0.345 |
| 8 | Delhi Capitals (E) | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | -0.871 |
| 9 | Mumbai Indians (E) | 13 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 8 | -0.510 |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants (E) | 14 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 8 | -0.740 |
Three teams already through
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans have already qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
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