Needing nothing but a win to stay afloat in the tournament, Rajasthan Royals registered a dominant seven wicket win over Kings Eleven Punjab (KXIP) and added much required two more points to their kitty to move to 12 and close the gap with KKR and KXIP.
Rajasthan Royals would still need to win their last league encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders and hope for unfavorable results for KKR and KXIP in their remaining matches.
Rajasthan's win over KXIP has once again left the play-off race wide open with five team still in the race to seal berths for the third and fourth spot.
Meanwhile Kings Eleven Punjab's hopes of making it to the play-offs were dented a bit with a loss against Rajasthan Royals. However, all is not lost for Rahul-led KXIP as they still are very much in contention to book a play-off spot.
With 14 points, Punjab need to win their last game against Chennai Super Kings and also bank on the results of Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) who have already booked their place in the knock-outs will look to finish off their league assignments on a high with wins over Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. A win against MI or SRH will guarantee MI a spot in the top 2.
Second-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore are just a win away from securing their berth in the knockouts. With RCB scheduled to take on DC in a few days from now, only two teams apart from MI can end up at 16 points. 2 wins for Kohli and Co will assure them of a place in the top 2 along with MI.
Delhi Capitals - 14 points from 12 matches
DC still have a strong possibility of making the play-offs even after slipping up majorly with three losses on the trot. However, with 14 points in the bank, DC can assure themselves of a play-off spot with a win over either MI or RCB in their last league engagements.
Kolkata Knight Riders are to blame themselves for being in a tight spot for qualifying to the play-offs in IPL Season 13. KKR who were in line to book a sure-shot place in the play-offs have suffered 3 losses in last 4 matches are now battling for survival.
KKR are now masters of their own destiny as they would need to register a massive win over Rajasthan Royals in their final league fixture and also hope KXIP and SRH lose their remaining matches. If they lose to Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, they are out of the play-offs race.
With a paltry Net Run Rate of -0.467, KKR's chances of qualifying for the play-offs if there is a tie on 14 points for the 4th spot looks grim.