IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Kolkata Knight Riders qualify for playoffs after loss against PBKS in Match 42?

Punjab Kings achieved a rare feat by successfully chasing a target of 262 runs set by Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This was the highest-ever chase in the history of T20 cricket. This win allowed Punjab to move up to the eighth spot in the league standings, while KKR remained in the second spot despite their third loss of the season.

For the unversed, the top four teams in the league will qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. The top two teams will face each other in the first Qualifier, with the winner advancing straight into the final. The Eliminator will be contested by the teams placed third and fourth in the IPL 2024 standings. The winner of the Eliminator will then face off against the losing team from Qualifier 1. The winner of Qualifier 2 will advance to the final, which is scheduled to be held on May 26th.

KKR have won five out of nine games this season, which puts them in a good position to secure a spot in the playoffs. However, they still need to win a few more games to ensure they don't suffer a sudden dip in form towards the end of the season. With 10 points from 8 games, they need at least four more points to qualify for the playoffs.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table 

KKR will aim for hassle-free induction in playoffs

In the past, some teams have made it to the playoffs with 14 points, but they usually finish in third or fourth place. To maximize their chances of finishing in the top two and leverage the perks, KKR should aim to win three out of their remaining six games.

“Both the teams played tremendously, one of those games where you go back to the drawing board and see where it went wrong especially not being able to defend 260. We have to sum up the conditions and come up with better ideas. It is brilliant to see him (Narine) go out there and strike the ball, hopefully, he keeps continuing with such performances,” KKR captain Shreyas Iyer said at the post-match presentation.