IPL 2023: What are the qualifications scenarios for Punjab Kings (PBKS) after loss against DC?

Punjab Kings. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) find themselves in a tough spot as, after a defeat against the Delhi Capitals in their most recent game at Dharamsala, they’ve dropped to the eighth place in the points table. A spot in the top four looks far-fetched now, as the Shikhar Dhawan-led side needs to win their next game, as well as want other teams’ results to end in their favor.

With just six games remaining in the league stage, things will be very difficult for the teams who have not qualified so far. As of now, defending champions Gujarat Titans are the only side to have sealed the playoffs berth, and have booked themselves a place in the Qualifier 1 by topping the points table. Hence, only three spots remain vacant now, with seven teams plying their trade.

How can PBKS qualify with one game to spare?

Punjab need to win their final game of the league stage, which is scheduled against the Rajasthan Royals, who are also in contention for the playoff spot. But a win alone would not help Punjab move to the top four. Shikhar Dhawan and his men need to register a massive victory, similar to what the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) did against the Royals in their previous game. A big win will boost Punjab’s NRR, which currently is -0.308.

If PBKS win their next game, they’ll finish at 14 points in the points table. But then again, the only way for them to qualify further would be if no other team reaches 14. Currently, KKR and RR are at 12 points and a victory would leave them at 14. RCB too are at 12 points, but they still have two games to go, unlike PBKS. Mumbai Indians are currently at 14 with one game to spare, and PBKS would want all of KKR, RR, RCB, and MI to lose all their remaining fixtures, which seems near to impossible.

All that can help the Kings’ now is a good NRR, for which they need to win their next game by a big margin. In the end, if PBKS and MI will be tied at 14. In that case, PBKS would need to score 180 in their game and win by a margin of 20 runs, and would also want MI to lose their final fixture by 26 runs so as to surpass the five-time champions’ NRR and seal the fourth spot.