IPL 2024 Qualification scenarios: How can PBKS qualify for playoffs after their 8-wicket win over KKR?

Punjab Kings (PBKS) hammered Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets in match number 42 of IPL 2024 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, April 26.

In yet another high-scoring contest, KKR put up 261-6 after being sent into bat. However, PBKS raced past the total in 18.4 overs to register the highest successful chase in T20 cricket history.

Kolkata's total was built around Phil Salt's 75 off 37 and Sunil Narine's 71 off 32. Venkatesh Iyer (39 off 23), Andre Russell (24 off 12) and Shreyas Iyer (28 off 10) chipped in with blazing cameos.

Punjab, though, proved unstoppable in the chase. Jonny Bairstow hammered 108* off 48, while Prabhsimran Singh slammed 54 off 20. Promoted in the batting order, Shashank Singh responded with 68* off 28 as KKR bowlers were completely taken apart at the Eden Gardens.

Despite the sensational triumph on Friday, Punjab Kings are still languishing in eighth position in the points table. After nine matches in IPL 2024, they have six points, with a net run rate of -0.187.

If we talk about playoffs qualification, over the last two seasons, since the tournament has become a 10-team event, franchises have needed a minimum of 16 points to finish in the top-four.

If we go by that benchmark, PBKS will need to win all their remaining five matches. Even then, they may not be safe if multiple sides finish with 16 points, as things could boil down to the net run rate.

In case Punjab Kings lose even one of their remaining five games, they will end the league stage with 14 points.

In such a scenario, the chances of them qualifying for the playoffs would be even slimmer. If the top-three sides finish with more than 16 points and the remaining six teams end the league stage with no more than 12, PBKS could qualify as the fourth team with 14 points.

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PBKS' remaining matches in IPL 2024

Following their thumping triumph over KKR, Punjab Kings will next face defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 1. It will be Punjab vs Chennai again in Dharamsala on May 5.

Punjab Kings conclude the league stage of IPL 2024 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (May 9), Rajasthan Royals (May 15) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 19).

May 1: Punjab vs Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (7:30 PM IST)

May 5: Punjab vs Chennai, HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala (3:30 PM IST)

May 9: Punjab vs Bengaluru, HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala (7:30 PM IST)

May 15: Punjab vs Rajasthan, Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati (7:30 PM IST)

May 19: Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (3:30 PM IST)