MI handed golden chance to finish top 2 as RCB, PBKS lose easy games

Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS

The top three teams in the Indian Premier League continued to falter in the final games of the tournament, making the top 2 race more complicated this season. After Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost their respective matches, Punjab Kings also floundered against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Gujarat, Bengaluru, Punjab, and Mumbai Indians had already qualified for the playoffs this season. But it was yet to be decided which two teams would finish in the top spots. The top 2 teams get to play one additional game in the playoffs stages, giving them a better chance of qualifying for the final match.

Punjab’s loss has given Mumbai Indians a huge chance of finishing in the top 2 spots in the tournament as the top 4 are separated by just 2 points at the moment.

All the top three teams, who have lost their 13th match of the tournament, faltered against teams who have already been knocked out of the playoffs race. Gujarat Titans still lead the table with 18 points to their name. Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru follow GT with 17 points each, and are then followed by Mumbai Indians who have 16 points to their name.

Mumbai play Punjab Kings in their last match, and if they win that game, they will overtake Punjab in the points table. RCB, on the other hand, play Rishabh Pant’s LSG in the final match, and would need to win it if they want to maintain their position in the points table.

GT play last-placed Chennai Super Kings in their final match of the season. A win will ensure that they maintain their top spot in the points table.

PL 2025 Points Table

GT: 13 matches – 18 points

PBKS: 13 matches – 17 points

RCB: 13 matches – 17 points

MI: 13 matches – 16 points

Here’s how the IPL playoffs scenario stands after Punjab Kings lose to Delhi Capitals on Saturday, May 24.

Gujarat Titans (Points: 18, Net Run Rate: 0.602)

Remaining game: vs CSK (Ahmedabad)

If GT win their last match vs CSK:

• GT will have 20 points. They will finish at the top spot in the tournament.

If GT lose their last match (stay on 18 points):

• GT can still finish in the top 2 if MI/PBKS and RCB lose their respective matches.

GT will not finish in the top two if:

• GT lose to CSK in the final group game.
• PBKS win vs MI or vice versa.
• RCB beat LSG in their final match.

Punjab Kings (Points: 17, Net Run Rate: 0.327)

Remaining game: vs MI (Jaipur)

Punjab will finish in top spot if:

• GT, RCB lose their last game and Punjab win vs MI

PBKS will not finish in the top two if:

• They lose their match vs MI

RCB (Points: 17, Net Run Rate: 0.255)

Remaining game: vs LSG (Lucknow)

RCB will finish top 2 if:

• They win vs LSG, and GT, PBKS lose their respective matches

If RCB do not win vs LSG:

• They will not be able to finish top 2 in any circumstances

Mumbai Indians (Points: 16, Net Run Rate: 1.292)

MI will finish top 2 if:

• MI beat PBKS and RCB lose to LSG

MI will finish top in IPL table if:

• GT lose to CSK, MI beat PBKS and RCB lose to LSG

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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA