Indian Premier League 2022, now in the last week of its group stage matches, have seen a bit of struggle from all the teams to qualify for the spot at number 4. Delhi Capitals (DC) faced Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 64th match of the IPL in DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai. This match was the decider match for both the teams to which team will have the chance to qualify for the playoffs at number 4. Batting first, Delhi Capitals managed to put up a decent total of 159/7 in 20 overs. PBKS, in response, had a good start but all o their batsmen looked in trouble with the bat and couldn’t make it to the total and were restricted at 142/9 in 20 overs. Delhi Capitals’ bowlers were on fire as Shadul ‘Lord’ Thakur took 4 wickets with an economy of 9.00, Thakur was supported by other bowlers like Anrich Nortje, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel managed to grab the remaining 5 wickets and lead DC to a swift win.
Currently, the points table stands as Gujarat Titans are at the top with 20 points and have qualified, Rajasthan Royals are sitting strong at the 2nd place with 16 points, Lucknow Super Giants with 16 points are sitting at the 3rd position and the DC climbed up to the 4th spot with 14 points, after their win against PBKS last night.
The 4th spot is active for playoffs as 2 teams still have a chance to qualify. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals with 14 points each, still have a chance to get the 4th spot.
Following are the possibilities for qualification
▪︎ If RCB wins their last match against Gujarat Titans, then KKR, PBKS, and SRH cannot qualify.
▪︎ If RCB wins against GT and DC loses their last match against MI; then RCB will qualify and vice versa.
▪︎ Both RR and LSG need to win their last match to qualify without any Net Run Rate pressure.
▪︎ If one of RCB or DC loses then RR and LSG will qualify even if they lose their last match.
▪︎ If both RCB and DC win their last game & RR and LSG lose their last game; then the three teams with the best Net Run Rate out of these 4 teams will qualify.
▪︎ For KKR, SRH, and PBKS to qualify they have to win their last matches with a good margin; and hope RCB and DC lose their next game.
