KKR playoff chances: The Sportsrush presents before you Kolkata Knight Riders’ prospects of qualifying for IPL 2019 playoffs.
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Not many teams start their campaign in a way Kolkata Knight Riders did it in IPL 2019. Similarly, not many teams fall apart during the tournament in a way Kolkata Knight Riders did it in IPL 2019.
The fact that the two-time title-winning franchise has managed do both the above mentioned in this season speaks highly about their lack of consistency this season.
Having started the season on the back of winning four out of their first five matches, Knight Riders majorly made the news due to the manner in which they won some matches. All-rounder Andre Russell‘s heroics did rescue KKR on more than one occasion. However, their failure as a unit has hurt them the most.
With four victories in 11 matches, Kolkata are reeling at No. 7 in the points table at this moment. Despite being down in the tournament, KKR are not entirely out. On the back of seven victories, 14 points and a formidable Net Run Rate, Knight Riders can still qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2019.
KKR playoff chances
In a bid to qualify, Kolkata’s primary job is to make sure that they don’t lose another IPL 2019 match. If that (they lose a match) happens, not even Russell would be able to save the season for them. Having defeated Mumbai Indians by 34 runs in the last match, Knight Riders are currently at No. 6 in the points table.
Slated to face Kings XI Punjab (No. 7) in an away fixture tonight, it will virtually be a knockout match. Not that the losing team won’t have any chance of qualifying, the road ahead for them will be a daunting one.
In less than 2️⃣4️⃣ hours #EdenGardens would be buzzing for the last time in this #VIVOIPL as we take on MI 💥#KKRvMI #KKRHaiTaiyaar pic.twitter.com/YHmNtDFAeV
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 27, 2019
However, with Sunrisers Hyderabad losing to Mumbai Indians in the super over last night, it has come as an advantage for KKR. If Kolkata win both their matches and SRH loses their last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata will enter the playoffs without much competition.
If KKR loses vs KXIP…
Knight Riders will stand an outside chance of making it to the Top Four despite losing to Punjab tonight. In that scenario, they would hope for Punjab, SRH and Rajasthan Royals to lose their last individual match.
If the same happens, Kolkata will have to defeat Mumbai Indians in the last league match of IPL 2019. The trio of KKR, SRH and KXIP will all be equal at 12 points in the points table. The team with a better Net Run Rate will then qualify as the fourth team.
