IPL 2024 playoffs qualification scenario: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced a crushing defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 8 wickets in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match number 42 at Eden Gardens on Friday (April 26). Asked to bat first, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted a formidable 261/6 with opener Sunil Narine hammering 32-balls 71 and his partner Phil Salt scoring 37-balls 75.
Punjab Kings, however, scripted history by successfully chasing down the highest total in T20 cricket history. Jonny Bairstow scored 48-balls 108, while Prabhsimran Singh (20-balls 54) and Shashank Singh (28-balls 68) too made valuable contributions.
Check below how Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can qualify for IPL 2024 Playoffs
Despite the crushing defeat, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remain at the second position in IPL 2024 points table with 10 points from 8 games, having lost three matches and winning five.
Since IPL expanded to a 10-team format in 2022, teams aiming for a top-four finish at the end of the league stage typically target a minimum of 16 points. With six matches remaining, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) need to secure win in at least three of these six matches to reach the 16-point mark. Additionally, maintaining a healthy net run rate (NRR) of +0.972 will be crucial for KKR's chances of qualifying for IPL 2024 playoffs.
While 16 points might be sufficient for a playoff berth, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would enhance their chances of qualifying for IPL 2024 Playoffs by winning at least four of their remaining six matches.
Accumulating 18 points from four wins would firmly place KKR in contention. Moreover, if Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) manage to win five or even all six of their remaining games, they would conclude the league stage with 20 or 22 points, strengthening their position for a top-two finish.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remaining matches in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals, Eden Gardens (April 29)
Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Wankhede Stadium, (May 3)
Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Ekana Stadium (May 5)
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians, Eden Gardens (May 11)
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Narendra Modi Stadium (May 13)
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati (May 19)