IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer after taking PBKS to a win over LSG.© X/Twitter
The last remaining spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs will be decided on Sunday. Riding on a solid 101* from captain Shreyas IyerPunjab Kings chased down a 197-run target against Lucknow Super Giants in 18 overs. With the win, PBKS have now moved to 15 points in 14 matches and are currently stationed in fourth spot. LSG are currently last in the 10-team league table with 8 points from 14 matches (NRR -0.740). With PBKS’ win, Delhi Capitals (12 points) are out of the playoff race as they can reach a maximum of 14 even if they win against Kolkata Knight Riders in their final game on Sunday.
Here’s how the playoff scenario looks right now with three teams – PBKS, Rajasthan Royals ans Kolkata Knight Riders – in contention:
Punjab Kings – 15 points in 14 matches, NRR +0.309
The Iyer-led side is currently fourth. They must now hope that Rajasthan Royals lose their last match against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders lose to Delhi Capitals. Even if KKR win, they must not do so by a very big margin so as not to cross PBKS’ run rate.
Rajasthan Royals – 14 points in 13 games, NRR +0.083
For the Riyan Parag-led side, the equation is simple: win the match against Mumbai Indians on Sunday afternoon and qualify for the playoffs as the fourth-best team.
Kolkata Knight Riders – 13 points from 13 games, NRR +0.011
KKR face DC in the last league-phase match. They must first hope that RR lose to MI. Then they must beat DC by a huge margin so as to overtake PBKS on net run rate.
More updates to follow…
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