IPL playoffs qualification scenarios: Kolkata all but through to playoffs, uphill task for Mumbai

IPL 2021 qualification scenarios updates: A breakdown of what Mumbai Indians needs to do to seal the fourth spot.

KL Rahul plays a shot against the Chennai Super Kings.

IPL PLAYOFF QUALIFICATION SCENARIOS

Kolkata Knight Riders thrashed Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs to all but confirm a place in the last four. Mumbai will need to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 171 runs to qualify for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, KKR's win also means Punjab Kings, who beat Chennai Super Kings earlier today, are also out of the playoff race.

Mumbai Indians beat  Rajasthan Royals with eight wickets and 70 balls to spare. Mumbai will qualify for the playoffs if it beats Sunrisers Hyderabad in its last game, and Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders. However, if KKR beats RR, Mumbai is likely to be eliminated because of its poor net run rate.

If Mumbai loses to Sunrisers, and if Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders, then three teams will be tied on 12. In that case, again, KKR's superior NRR should seal a last-four finish.