Cricket
-Gaurav Sharma
Captain Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 101 lifted Punjab Kings to a seven-wicket chase of 197 against Lucknow Super Giants in 18 overs, pushing Punjab Kings to 15 points from 14 matches and fourth place. Delhi Capitals, stuck on 12 points, are now out of the race, while Lucknow Super Giants remain bottom with eight points and a net run rate of -0.740.
The final berth in the IPL 2026 playoffs now hinges on results on Sunday, with Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders still mathematically alive. Punjab Kings sit on 15 points, Rajasthan Royals have 14 from 13 matches, and Kolkata Knight Riders are on 13 from 13, leaving net run rate and final-day margins crucial.
Following Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 101, Punjab Kings chased 197 in 18 overs against LSG, reaching 15 points and fourth place, leaving their IPL 2026 playoff spot contingent on Rajasthan Royals and KKR’s final match outcomes.
IPL 2026 playoffs qualification table and key numbers
| Team | Matches | Points | Net run rate | Qualification scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 14 | 15 | +0.309 | Need Rajasthan Royals to lose and Kolkata Knight Riders not overtake net run rate |
| Rajasthan Royals | 13 | 14 | +0.083 | Qualify with win over Mumbai Indians; eliminated if match is washed out |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 13 | 13 | +0.011 | Need Rajasthan Royals to lose and then beat Delhi Capitals by a big margin |
IPL 2026 playoffs chances for Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals
Kolkata Knight Riders must first see Rajasthan Royals slip against Mumbai Indians in the afternoon clash. If that happens, Kolkata Knight Riders then have to defeat Delhi Capitals in the final league fixture by a large margin, lifting their net run rate beyond Punjab Kings’ current +0.309 to grab the last spot.
For Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag, the situation is clearer. A victory over Mumbai Indians on Sunday afternoon sends Rajasthan Royals into the IPL 2026 playoffs as the fourth-placed team. However, if rain prevents any result, Rajasthan Royals will finish behind Punjab Kings because their net run rate of +0.083 is lower.
IPL 2026 playoffs outlook for Punjab Kings after Shreyas Iyer’s century
Punjab Kings, guided by Iyer, now rely on other outcomes despite holding fourth place. They need Rajasthan Royals to lose to Mumbai Indians, while hoping Kolkata Knight Riders either fall to Delhi Capitals or win without a huge margin. Any heavy Kolkata Knight Riders victory could see Punjab Kings’ +0.309 net run rate overtaken.
Iyer’s first IPL century arrived in a high-pressure chase, keeping Punjab Kings’ hopes alive not only for the IPL 2026 playoffs but also for confidence heading into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027. Chasing Lucknow Super Giants’ 196 for six, Punjab Kings finished the job in 18 overs at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday.
Iyer struck 101 not out from 51 balls, with 11 fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 198.04. The captain combined with Prabhsimran Singh for a decisive 140-run partnership, with Prabhsimran Singh contributing 69 from 39 deliveries. That stand not only secured the chase but also snapped Punjab Kings’ six-match losing run in the tournament.
