Things are not looking good for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Their chances of qualifying for the playoffs seem very slim, although they are still fighting for the final four spots in the league.
The tide turned for them after they suffered another disappointing defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. They were on the receiving end of a 28-run defeat against the Chennai Super Kings in a return match between their teams at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
The Punjab Kings appeared to be the favorites to win, especially after the way the first innings of the game went. They bowled brilliantly and didn’t let the Chennai Super Kings batsman rest at all at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium in Dharamsala.
The Punjab Kings contributed wickets at regular intervals and restricted the Chennai Super Kings to a total of 167 runs. Harshal Patel and Rahul Chahar were the pick of the bowlers as they both picked three wickets each while Arshdeep Singh grabbed two scalps and Sam Curran picked one.
It was a terrible outing for the Punjab Kings with the bat. They lost wickets at regular intervals and couldn’t get going at all. Jonny Bairstow (7) and Rilee Rossouw lost their wickets in the second over and it broke the team’s back at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Prabhsimran Singh (30) and Shashank Singh (27) added over 50 partnerships and it looked like it would be a close contest. However, the Chennai Super Kings made a solid comeback after that and put the Punjab Kings under pressure as they lost wickets regularly after that.
After that, no other batsman got going as the Punjab Kings managed only 139 runs. They lost the game by 28 runs, suffering another disappointing defeat in the tournament.
Punjab Kings qualification scenario for IPL 2024
The Punjab Kings are currently in eighth place in the points table with just four wins. They have also suffered 7 losses and only have 8 points with an NRR of -0.187. Their chances of qualifying for the playoffs took a massive hit after the loss to Chennai Super Kings.
In order to qualify for the playoffs, they must ensure that they win all their remaining games. That gives them 14 points, but it doesn’t guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. They will need more results to go their way if they are to assess their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
They want Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad to win just one of their remaining games in the tournament. For PBKS to qualify, Delhi Capitals must not win more than two games, barring RCB and GT losing one of their remaining games.
This would take CSK, LSG, SRH and PBKS to 14 points. Then based on the NRR, the Punjab based franchise can come through.