IPL11: Scenarios in which Mumbai Indians would qualify for play-offs
What's the story
Mumbai Indians have found the swagger needed to succeed in IPL. After being in a difficult situation, they fought back hard winning four out of the last five matches. Mumbai are fourth in the table but the job is still not done yet; the upcoming days would be exciting for Mumbai fans. Let's look at the scenarios in which Mumbai would qualify for play-offs.
Dual win
The dual win over KKR changed MI's fortunes
They were in a desperate situation in IPL 2018 until Kolkata Knight Riders came their way. Two superb victories ensured Mumbai were kicking and alive once again. A 13-run victory at home saw the bowlers turn it around in supreme fashion. It was followed by a decimation of KKR at the Eden Gardens as Mumbai won by 102 runs.
Situation
Win against KXIP puts them in the right track
The win against Kings XI Punjab in match number 50 was a stellar effort and that brings them back in contention after a surprise loss against the Royals. The win sees them take their net run-rate to a +0.384 which is better than teams fighting for qualification. They play their final league game against bottom-placed DD and a win would be required.
Pivotal
What's the qualification scene?
Two teams SRH and CSK have already progressed. With DD out of the race, the likes of KKR, MI, KXIP, RR and RCB are still in contention. If RCB beat SRH tonight, then it will be a nail-biter against RR in their final game with both sides having 12 points each. MI need to win their final game to be in the hunt.
Calculations
Net RR to have a big say
If MI beat DD and KKR lose to SRH, then Mumbai will finish third given NRR. If KKR win, then Kolkata will finish 3rd. If KKR lose and RCB win both their games, then there will be one team which would go through between these two, given MI defeat DD. If RCB lose both, and DD beat MI, then KKR and RR will qualify.
What next?
Can MI go and make wonders once again?
Given Mumbai have won the trophy thrice already, Rohit and Co have every possibility to qualify and even win this season. Who would have thought that? If they finish third or fourth, then they will face KKR in the most likely scenario in the qualifier 2. Given their stunning record against KKR, MI could reach the eliminator and from there on it's anyone's game.