Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered a significant setback in their quest for the playoffs after a loss to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 53rd game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. After being asked to bat first, CSK scored a total of 167 for the loss of 9 wickets, supported by Ravindra Jadeja’s knock of 43 off 26 balls And Daryl Mitchell‘s contribution of 30 from 19 balls. In response, PBKS batters struggled to reach the target and could only muster 139 runs, losing 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Position of Punjab Kings in the points table
After this game, CSK climbed to third place in the team standings while PBKS ended up at 8th place with 8 points and a worrying net run rate (NRR) of -0.187. Consequently, PBKS was further down Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) even though both teams have the same points.
Playoff qualification scenario for PBKS
To secure a spot in the playoffs, PBKS must achieve wins by significant margins in all remaining games. Although this would increase their points total to 14, they are still not guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. PBKS will also have to rely on positive results from other teams’ games to finish in the top four in the league stage.
Dependence on other teams
PBKS hopes that CSK, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)And Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) only win one of their remaining games. Furthermore, they would prefer it Delhi Capitals (DC) not to achieve more than two victories.
In addition, RCB and Gujarat Titans (GT) should suffer a defeat in one of their upcoming games. If these scenarios happen, CSK, LSG, SRH and PBKS will all get 14 points. The final playoff spots would then be determined by net run rate, making it imperative for PBKS to record comprehensive victories in their remaining games.
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Upcoming games of PBKS
PBKS only has three games left to play, including two away games and one home game. Their journey begins on May 9 against RCB in Dharamsala, followed by a clash against RCB Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Barsapara Stadium on May 15. They will face SRH in their final league match on May 19 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.