KKR's playoff scenario possibilities

Weâ??ll be tied with RR and KXIP (if both teams happen to win their last match) and end with 14 points each.As one point will be enough for us to make the cut and finish third in the points table.

VIVO IPL 2018 just couldnâ??t get any better. We are at the last stage of the round-robin matches and all the teams are giving themselves that one final push to make it to the playoffs. Fates are being sealed for some team. While others are still fighting to stay in the hunt and grab that 3rd and 4th spot at the standings.

But whatâ??s in store for Kolkata Knight Riders? Letâ??s see how our Knights can make it to the playoffs:

Keep it simple - Win against SRHWhy rely on any other results, when you hold the key to everything that happens to you! KKRâ??s first target should be as simple as winning the next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad and become the 3rd team to qualify for the playoffs! SIMPLE!

KXIPâ??s poor run came at the right time for other teams

The loss against Mumbai Indians the other night has set KXIPâ??s fate in this IPL. After winning 5 out of their first 6 games, they have lost the momentum, losing 6 out of their next 7. From being the table-topper, they now have little to no chance of making it to the playoffs. Not that other teams will complain about.

The Number 14We ideally donâ??t want to get into this situation. But! Can KKR still qualify if they lose against SRH? Sure, we can. We just have to make sure that our defeat margin is not big. Weâ??ll be tied with RR and KXIP (if both teams happen to win their last match) and end with 14 points each. Our current net run-rate (0.091) gives us an edge over RR (-0.403) and KXIP (-0.490).

But RCB/MI can spoil the party

Both MI and RCB are not playing against each other. So if RCB wins their remaining two matches and MI wins their last group match against Delhi Daredevils, it will be another 14 points tie between KKR, MI and RCB. MI (0.384) and RCB (0.218) holds a better NRR and can potentially end our campaign. Letâ??s hope RR, SRH or DD play some spoilsport before we head to the playoffs.

Advantage KKROverall, it will be an advantage KKR before we play SRH in Hyderabad on May 19. By then, RCB will be done with their two matches and if they happen to win both, weâ??ll at least have a better idea on how to go about facing SRH.

Weather- a factor

If some weather reports are believed to be true, then, on Saturday, May 19, there are chances of light thunderstorm in the evenings. That can be blessing to us if match ends with no results. As one point will be enough for us to make the cut and finish third in the points table.

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