IPL 2020: What happens if Net Run Rate of two teams is tied?

The league stage of IPL 2020 is coming to an end and the competition to grab a spot in the playoffs is getting closer with every game. With CSK, RR and KXIP eliminated from the playoffs contention, four teams are running for three vacant spots. The qualification scenario is still complicated despite only two games remaining as at least two teams will finish at 14 points and Net Run Rate is going to play a major role.

For SRH the equation is quite simple as if they win the last game, their qualification is guaranteed. On the other hand, if they lose against MI, the other three teams qualify without any hassle. However, the only way RCB or DC can get eliminated is if both of these conditions are fulfilled:

1. If the loser of their match loses by a certain margin, which drops their Net Run Rate below KKR.

2. SRH wins their last game against MI.

The NRR plays a very big role in the qualification as if two teams end up on the same points, the team with the higher NRR is ranked higher. However, have you ever thought about what would happen if the points and NRR of two teams are tied? It hasn’t happened in IPL history but it is possible this time.

What happens if Net Run Rate of two teams is tied?

This scenario can happen this time if the losing side in the DC vs RCB encounter ends up at the same NRR as of KKR. As the difference between their NRR is quite less, this situation can arise this time. As per the rules defined by IPL and BCCI, in case of a tie of both points and NRR, the team which has picked the most number of wickets in the season will be ranked higher. It further says that if the number of wickets is also equal, the positions are determined by drawing lots.

Here’s the rule

“16.10.2.3: If following the net run rate calculation above there are teams which are still equal, then the team with the higher number of wickets taken per fair balls bowled in the matches played that season in which results were achieved will be placed in the higher position;

16.10.2.4: If still equal at the end of the regular season then the team position will be determined by drawing lots.”

If the same situation arises this time, KKR will be ranked lower than the loser of the RCB and DC game as both of them have already picked more wickets than KKR. In this case, the only way KKR can qualify is SRH losing their last game to the table-toppers MI.