IPL 2024 Playoffs: A breakdown of playoff qualification scenarios for all 10 teams

Suryakumar Yadav (Pic: AFP)

Suryakumar Yadav hit an unbeaten 102 to lead Mumbai Indians to a crushing seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday as teams jostle for IPL 2024 Playoffs.

Chasing 174 for victory, Mumbai slipped to 31-3 before Suryakumar put on an unbeaten stand of 143 with Tilak Varma to achieve the target with 16 balls to spare at their home Wankhede Stadium.

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Suryakumar hit the winning six, which also raised his second IPL ton in 51 balls and comes as a welcome sign for India ahead of the T20 World Cup in June in the West Indies and the United States. However the win for five-time winners Mumbai, placed ninth in the 10-team table, could be late in a tournament fast moving towards its business end.

Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, stay fourth in the table but their fifth loss and a big one could hurt their play-off chances. Hyderabad need to win two of their remaining three matches to make the play-offs as they remain locked at 12 points with third-placed Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at fifth. The top four teams will make the play-offs with the final on May 26 in Chennai.

Hyderabad posted 173-8 courtesy of Travis Head's 48 and an unbeaten 17-ball 35 by lower-order batter Cummins after being invited to bat first. The left-handed Head gave the team a brisk start with his 30-ball knock before his departure in the 11th over and Hyderabad lost their way with regular wickets.

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Skipper Hardik Pandya spinner Piyush Chawla took three wickets each to rattle the opposition middle and lower-order as Hyderabad slipped to 136-8 in 17 overs. But number nine Cummins had other ideas as the Australian Test and ODI captain hit back in the final three overs and put on an unbeaten stand of 37 off 19 balls with Sanvir Singh.

The batting effort inspired the team and fast bowlers came roaring to reduce Mumbai to 31-3 including the key wicket of Rohit Sharma, out caught behind for four off Cummins. Suryakumar soon took charge with his attacking batting as he raised his 50 in 30 balls and hammered the opposition bowling with 12 fours and six sixes. The left-handed Varma made 37 and enjoyed Suryakumar's blitz from the other end.

Mid-Day takes a close look at the qualification scenarios for IPL 2024 Playoffs of all ten teams.

Kolkata Knight Riders (16 points)

Kolkata Knight Riders lead the points tally in the IPL 2024, boasting 16 points from 11 matches with an impressive net run rate of +1.453. A solitary victory in their upcoming trio of games should secure their playoff berth. Even if they stumble in their remaining fixtures, a top-four finish remains feasible, contingent on favorable outcomes elsewhere.

Rajasthan Royals (16 points)

Rajasthan Royals occupy the second spot with 16 points from 10 encounters. They must clinch at least one triumph in their remaining quartet of league fixtures to bolster their chances of securing a coveted top-four finish. Despite potential setbacks, RR could stay in contention, relying on external results.

Chennai Super Kings (12 points), Sunrisers Hyderabad (12 points)

Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad share the third position, each accumulating 12 points from 11 outings. Both franchises aspire to win their remaining trio of matches to culminate with 18 points, thereby enhancing their prospects. However, any slip-up could leave them with 16 points, necessitating a reliance on results from other encounters for qualification.

Lucknow Super Giants (12 points)

Lucknow Super Giants trail closely behind, also amassing 12 points from 11 matchups but sit fifth due to an inferior net run rate. LSG eyes an unblemished run in their remaining league fixtures to culminate with 18 points, ensuring a shot at the playoffs. Conversely, any falter would leave them with 16 points, introducing external factors into the equation.

Delhi Capitals (10 points)

Delhi Capitals stand sixth with 10 points from 11 contests. DC must secure victories in their upcoming three encounters and substantially bolster their net run rate to stake a claim for the top-four berth. In a scenario of favorable outcomes, Delhi could sneak into the coveted quartet.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (8 points), Punjab Kings (8 points)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings find themselves with eight points each from 11 matches, facing an uphill battle to break into the top echelon. Both franchises must triumph in their remaining trio of games to culminate with 14 points, coupled with a notable enhancement in their net run rates. Additionally, they rely on serendipitous outcomes to harbor playoff aspirations.

Mumbai Indians (8 points)

Despite their recent triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians find themselves in a precarious position, languishing with eight points from 12 outings. To harbor any hopes of playoff qualification, MI must secure victories in their remaining two fixtures, culminating with 12 points, alongside a substantial improvement in their run rate. Their fate hinges on multiple external results falling in their favour.

Gujarat Titans (8 points)

Gujarat Titans, the reigning IPL champions, face an arduous task, currently anchored at the bottom with eight points from 11 encounters. GT's pathway to playoff contention necessitates an unblemished run in their remaining trio of matches, coupled with a significant net run rate improvement. Their aspirations rest on a confluence of favorable outcomes across the league to materialize their playoff ambitions.