The win for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last league match keeps them in the hunt for a playoffs spot, but whether they qualify or not will depend on other results on Sunday. Delhi Capitals (DC), meanwhile, have been eliminated, making this a three-way battle among PBKS, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Here's a look at the results and run margins required for each team to take that fourth playoffs spot in IPL 2026.
Punjab Kings
Played: 14, Points: 15, NRR: 0.309
Kolkata Knight Riders
Played: 13, Points: 13, NRR: 0.011
Remaining matches: DC (H)
PBKS' win, with 12 balls to spare, against Lucknow Super Giants puts them in a strong position to qualify if RR lose to Mumbai Indians (MI) in their final game on Sunday. Their net run rate has jumped up to 0.309, which is well ahead of KKR's 0.083.
That means KKR will not only have to beat DC, but also beat them handily enough to lift their NRR above that of PBKS. To do that, they will have to win by at least 77 runs if they score 200; if KKR manage 225, they'll need to win by 76, while a total of 180 will increase the ask to 78 runs.
If DC bat first and score 180, KKR will have to chase it down in anywhere between 12 and 12.4 overs, depending on their final winning score. If DC score 200, KKR will have to win in 12.1 to 12.4 overs.
KKR have won their last three matches at Eden Gardens, after losing the first two this season. In night games here they have a 2-2 record, beating Gujarat Titans by 29 runs after scoring 247, and defeating MI with seven balls to spare when chasing 148, in their last two matches.
Rajasthan Royals
Played: 13, Points: 14, NRR: 0.083
Remaining matches: MI (A)
None of those numbers mentioned above will be of any consequence if RR defeat MI in the first match of the Sunday double-header. A win will lift RR to 16 points and assure them of fourth position. If they lose, though, then the identity of the fourth qualifier will have to wait till the last league match of the season.
