IPL 2020 playoffs race: Punjab, Rajasthan alive in qualifier race after Rahul's team beats Kolkata
IPL 2020 playoffs race: Steve Smith's men are currently sixth with 10 points and can reach a maximum of 14. Its remaining games are against Kings XI Punjab (October 30) and Kolkata Knight Riders (November 1).
Published : Oct 26, 2020 14:57 IST
Kings XI Punjab moved fourth in the points table with a convincing eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, thanks to fifties by Chris Gayle and Mandeep Singh. Punjab made light work of the 150-target, romping home with seven balls to spare.
Punjab's win will bring a sigh of relief in the Rajasthan camp as well. Steve Smith's men are alive in the playoff race. They are currently sixth with 10 points and can reach a maximum of 14. Their remaining games are against Kings XI Punjab (October 30) and Kolkata Knight Riders (November 1).
Rajasthan will hope that both Punjab and Kolkata lose their last two games. This way, Rajasthan can qualify by virtue of having scored more points than the other two. The Net Run Rate will not play any part.
That said, if Punjab or the Sunrisers Hyderabad do manage to reach 14, Rajasthan will be left hanging by a thread - even if they get to 14 - because of their poor NRR of -0.505. Sunrisers take on Delhi Capitals in Dubai on Tuesday.
IPL Points Table
| TEAMS | P | W | L | Points | NRR |
| Mumbai Indians | 11 | 7 | 4 | 14 | +1.252 |
| Delhi Capitals | 11 | 7 | 4 | 14 | +0.434 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 11 | 7 | 4 | 14 | +0.092 |
| Kings XI Punjab | 12 | 6 | 6 | 12 | -0.049 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 12 | 6 | 6 | 12 | -0.479 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 12 | 5 | 7 | 10 | -0.505 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 11 | 4 | 7 | 8 | +0.029 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 12 | 4 | 8 | 8 | -0.602 |