IPL 2023 playoffs: Qualification scenarios for RCB, MI and RR

The race to the IPL 2023 playoffs is in its final stage now. The last matchday of the league stage is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 21, in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in the race to qualify for the next round.

Gujarat Titans (GT), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have secured the top three positions in the points table. GT vs CSK match will take place in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2023 playoffs. LSG's opponent for the Eliminator match will be decided tonight.

Here's a look at the qualification scenario for all three teams fighting for the fourth spot in the playoffs.

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#1 How can RCB qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs?

Royal Challengers Bangalore are currently fourth in the points table. They have the highest chance of qualifying for the next round. RCB have earned 14 points from 13 matches with a net run rate of +0.180.

Bangalore will play their last game against Gujarat Titans tonight at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

RCB's qualification scenario is straightforward. They need a win by a decent margin against GT. If they lose, RCB will have to hope that the losing margin is less than five runs. Also, they will need the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) to defeat the Mumbai Indians.

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#2 How can Mumbai Indians qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs?

Mumbai Indians are sixth in the standings with 14 points from 13 matches. Their net run rate is -0.128. MI are heavily reliant on the Titans. Rohit Sharma and Co. will have to first beat SRH in their home game and then hope that GT beat RCB.

Otherwise, MI will have to beat SRH by a margin of (X+80) runs, where X = the win margin for RCB against GT.

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#3 How can RR sneak into the Top 4?

Rajasthan Royals do not have their fate in their hands. They are fifth in the points table with 14 points from 14 matches and a net run rate of +0.148.

RR need favors from GT and SRH. If GT beat RCB by more than five runs and SRH beat MI, Rajasthan will play against the Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator.