IPL Playoffs race: How Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders can qualify for IPL 2021 playoffs?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is about to reach its business end. So far only Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore have qualified for the playoffs. With only four matches remaining in the league stage there’s still no clarification about which will be the fourth team to seal the spot in the playoffs. Technically, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians are all in contention. But only the defending champions and the Eoin Morgan-led side have an open chance to qualify.

Qualification Scenario for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders 

Let’s have a look at the qualification scenario for Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders are more likely to seal fourth place in the points table. They just have to defeat Rajasthan Royals in their last league match, which will take place today (7th October) at Sharjah cricket stadium. If the Eoin Morgan-led manages to register a victory today they have will 14 points to their name and having a healthy run rate they are most likely to book a place in the playoffs.

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Mumbai Indians

For defending champions Mumbai Indians it is not as easy to qualify for the playoffs as it sounds. Though win against Rajasthan Royals recently has done a lot of good to them. But they would be wanting Kolkata Knight Riders to lose their last match. If the Eoin Morgan-led side fails to win the match against the Sanju Samson-led franchise and Mumbai Indians wins their last league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad tomorrow (8th October) they will see themselves in the playoffs.

However, if Kolkata Knight Riders win their last encounter, then the Rohit Sharma-led side have to beat the Kane Williamson-led by 90+ runs or 11+ overs to go past Kolkata’s current NRR and can then qualify for the playoffs.

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IPL Playoffs race: Schedule for the playoffs 

The playoffs stage of the IPL 2021 will begin on Sunday 10th October with Qualifier 1 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium followed by the Eliminator at Sharjah cricket stadium on 11th October.

Qualifier 2 will be played on 13th October at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the final clash will take place on 15th October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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