IPL qualification scenarios: Gujarat Lions tighten grip on top-two spot

Here's how things stand after the 51st match of Indian Premier League 2016 between Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders and what teams need to do to progress further.

1. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Points 16; NRR +0.400)

Matches left:

Vs Delhi Daredevils, Raipur, 20 May 2016
Vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Kolkata, 22 May 2016

If they win at least one of their remaining two games, they will qualify and finish in top-two.

They can still qualify if they lose both their remaining games but whether they end up in the top-two will depend on the results of the other games.

The only possible way they can get eliminated is if they lose both their games badly and lose out on net run rate scenario with five teams getting tied at 16 points.

If Gujarat Lions beat Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers are through irrespective of the outcome of their last two games.

2. Gujarat Lions (Points 16; NRR -0.479)

Matches left:

Vs Mumbai Indians, Kanpur, 21 May 2016

If they beat Mumbai Indians in their last league game, they progress and end up in top-two.

If they lose, there exists a possibility of a five-way tie between teams with 16 points and a negative net rate might deter their progress. But if Sunrisers beat Kolkata Knight Riders, Lions go through even if they don't win against Mumbai Indians.

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (Points 14; NRR +0.926)

Matches left:

Vs Delhi Daredevils, Raipur, 22 May 2016

A win in their last game against Daredevils should be enough to carry them through to knockouts even in case of a tie at 16 points thanks to their stellar net run rate of +0.926.

If they lose to Daredevils, Royal Challengers might end up in a tie at 14 points but are well placed to go through thanks to their superior run rate. For the 14-point tie to happen, Sunrisers must win at least one of their remaining games. However, if Sunrisers lose both their remaining games and Royal Challengers lose to Daredevils, Virat Kohli & Co. will get eliminated.

4.Kolkata Knight Riders (Points 14; NRR +0.022)

Matches left:

Vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata, 22 May 2016

If they beat Sunrisers, they are almost guaranteed a playoffs qualification thanks to their positive NRR of 0.022 in case of a tie at 16 points.

If they lose to Sunrisers, though, they will be eliminated if Mumbai Indians and one amongst Daredevils and Royal Challengers win their remaining games. Else there exists a possibility of a three-way or a four-way tie at 14 points.

5.Mumbai Indians (Points 14; NRR -0.082)

Matches left:

Vs Gujarat Lions, Kanpur, 21 May 2016

Even if they win their last game against Gujarat Lions, they are most likely to end up in a tie with one or more teams at 16 points. Ideally they would like to end with a huge win over the Lions to boost their net run rate.

If they lose to Lions, Mumbai remain stuck on 14 points and a negative net run rate might hamper their chances of a spot in the knockouts.

6. Delhi Daredevils (Points 12; NRR -0.125)

Matches left:

Vs Sun Risers Hyderabad, Raipur, 20 May 2016
Vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Raipur, 22 May 2016

If they win both their remaining games, they might be tied with one or more teams at 16 points. Their current net run rate of -0.125 needs an improvement in such a case.

If Daredevils lose to Royal Challengers Bangalore, they will get eliminated if one of Mumbai Indians or Kolkata Knight Riders win their respective last match.

If Daredevils lose to Sunrisers and win aganst Royal Challengers, they will get eliminated if both Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders win their respective last match.

If they lose both their remaining matches, they stand eliminated.