Kings XI Punjab's loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday made them the second team - after Rising Pune Supergiants - to go out of reckoning for a place in the playoffs of IPL 2016. No team is definitely through to the playoffs yet, although Sunrisers have a foot in the door with eight wins, a net run rate of +0.400 and two matches to play. Unlike some of the earlier seasons, eight wins do not guarantee a team a place in the playoffs. The six teams that are in contention can still be tied on 16 points each at the end of the league stage. However, 14 points may also be enough, depending on NRR. Here's what each of the six teams needs to do to give themselves the best chance of qualification.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
They have to win at least one of their two remaining matches to make their second set of playoffs in four IPL seasons. Even if they lose both games - not by big margins, however - their healthy NRR is likely to take them through.
Teams left to play: Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders
They need two wins from two matches to make their fourth playoffs in six seasons. They can also squeeze in on the back of their NRR should they manage only one win. In fact, Knight Riders' NRR could take them through even if they lose all their matches and finish on 14 points, although their fate will then depend on other results.
Teams left to play: Gujarat Lions, Sunrisers Hyderabad
Mumbai Indians
Unlike Sunrisers and Knight Riders, Mumbai's NRR isn't great at -0.082, and a tie on 14 points with other teams is unlikely to end well for them. So Mumbai's best shot will be to win against Gujarat Lions and hope other results pan out favourably. A big win would help when NRR comes into play.
Teams left to play: Gujarat Lions
Gujarat Lions
Lions will make it to the final four if they win both their remaining matches. One win can also take them through, provided other results work in their favour. But their NRR, which took a beating after their 144-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore, is -0.747. That will cost them should any tie on points come into play.
Teams left to play: Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians
Delhi Daredevils
A win in both their remaining matches should take them through to the play-offs. The worst possible scenario for them in this case would be a tie on 16 points with four other teams, including Lions. If that happens, Daredevils are likely to end up above Lions on NRR. But qualification for Daredevils on NRR with a tie on 14 points looks unlikely .
Teams left to play: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers' best chance is to win their two remaining matches and get to eight wins. In this case, only two of three teams - Sunrisers, Knight Riders and Lions - can go above them on points (unless Knight Riders-Lions game is washed out). It is highly unlikely that two other teams end up on higher NRRs than theirs, which is already at +0.640. They could also go through with 14 points, but need other results to work in their favour.
Teams left to play: Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils
STANDINGS
Pos Team PLD PTS
1
SRH
12 16
2
KKR
12 14
3
MI
13 14
4
GL
12 14
5
RCB
12 12
6
DD
12 12
7
RPS
13 8
8
KXIP
12 8
