“IPL: Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants face crucial match for playoff hopes”

Lucknow: The Lucknow Super Giants-Mumbai Indians match in IPL today is crucial not only for the playoff chances of both the teams, but also for the teams at the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th positions in the points table. If they win today, Mumbai Indians can secure a place in the playoffs. But Lucknow, which is right behind, cannot secure the playoffs even if they win today. But they can surpass Mumbai and come third behind Chennai in the points table.

Mumbai Indians, who have 14 points in 12 games, will not end their playoff hopes even if they lose today. Mumbai have hope as the last match is at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad. If they defeat Hyderabad in Mumbai’s batting paradise, Mumbai can secure the playoffs with 16 points.

Meanwhile, today’s match is crucial for Lucknow. Because it is their last home game. If they lose today, then the last match will be against Kolkata at Eden Gardens. Lucknow will have a big challenge to beat Kolkata, who have been in good form in recent times, at their opponents’ ground. If they lose that match too, Kolkata, Punjab, Rajasthan and RCB will have a chance to overcome Lucknow with 13 points.

Mumbai will come today to secure the playoffs, Lucknow to trap the spin

Therefore, if Lucknow loses today, it will be beneficial for the teams including Rajasthan. Even if Mumbai lose today, they can beat Hyderabad in the last match at Wankhede and make it to the playoffs. At the same time, neither Rajasthan nor Kolkata can surpass Chennai with 15 points. If Lucknow wins today, not only will they join Chennai on 15 points, Rajasthan and Kolkata will not be able to overtake them. In this scenario, only the outcome of the Mumbai-Hyderabad match will decide the chances of Rajasthan and Kolkata.

Both Punjab and RCB have two matches left. Punjab has one match against Delhi and another against Rajasthan Royals. If these two matches are won, Punjab are likely to enter the playoffs with 16 points. RCB, on the other hand, have an away match against Hyderabad and a home match against Gujarat. If they win these two games, they can get 16 points and reach the playoffs. If Chennai lose their final match against Delhi and RCB and Punjab win their remaining two matches, Chennai will be eliminated from the playoffs.

Last Updated May 16, 2023, 8:48 AM IST