IPL 2020: Qualification scenarios ahead of last four league matches

52 matches have taken place thus far in the 2020 edition of the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it’s the fates of only two teams, which have been decided. Even as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are already eliminated, Mumbai Indians are set to play the Qualifier 1 on Thursday, November 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

With four games remaining in the league stage, three spots for the playoffs are still up for grabs with six teams vying for them. The points table has looked congested than ever and a team could end up at the bottom even with six wins out of 14 matches. It goes without saying that there’s very little room for complacency for the teams in the middle of the table.

A cramped-up points table in the IPL

Also, the net run rate will be playing a massive part. As far as qualification is concerned, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are in a bit of a hole. Their fate isn’t in their hands anymore. Even if they win their respective last league matches, they won’t be assured a berth in the playoffs and can be eliminated from the tournament.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are in a comfortable position after beating the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Sharjah. With an impressive net run rate of +0.555, David Warner and Co need a victory to make their way into the next round. The massive 88-run victory over the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dubai also helped the Orange Army propel their nrr.

SRH’s last league game is against Kieron Pollard’s MI on Tuesday, November 3 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This season will also be the first time since 2010 when two teams will be going to the playoffs on the back of 14 points. The winner of the match between the Capitals and the Challengers goes directly into the playoffs.

The loser might also go through if other factors go in their favour. Most importantly, there won’t be any dead rubbers this season, which means that every other game will hold importance going forward. It remains to be seen which other three teams make the playoffs along with the Mumbai-based franchise.