How RR, PBKS and KKR can qualify for playoffs

Punjab Kings (PBKS) ended their six-match losing streak in IPL 2026 by defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by seven wickets in match number 68 of IPL 2026 at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday, May 23. With the win, PBKS also kept their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive.

Bowling first after winning the toss, PBKS did well to restrict LSG to 196-6. Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal impressed with two wickets each. In the chase, skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front, notching up his maiden IPL hundred. He slammed 101* off 51 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh contributed 69 off 39.

While PBKS avoided IPL 2026 elimination with a win against LSG, they are locked in a tussle with Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the last available top four slot. In this feature, we take a look at IPL 2026 playoff qualification scenarios for PBKS, RR and KKR.

Punjab Kings (15 points, NRR +0.309)

Following their win over LSG on Saturday, PBKS moved up to fourth place in the IPL 2026 points table. They have 15 points and a net run rate of +0.309. PBKS will qualify for the playoffs without the net run rate coming into the equation if Mumbai Indians (MI) beat RR and Delhi Capitals (DC) beat KKR on Sunday. In this scenario, RR would end with 14 points and KKR with 13.

If RR go down to MI, but KKR beat DC, the net run rate will decide who goes through. Unless KKR beat DC by a huge margin at Eden Gardens on Sunday, they are unlikely to surpass PBKS’ run rate. KKR‘s current run rate is +0.011.

Rajasthan Royals (14 points, +0.083)

RR are currently in fifth place, with 14 points from 13 matches and a net run rate of +0.083. The equation for them is pretty simple – win and qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs or lose and get eliminated. A win on Sunday will take RR to 16 points. PBKS will finish the league stage with 15 points, while KKR will end with 15 points even if they beat DC in their last league match.

If RR lose to MI, they will finish the league stage with 14 points. In this scenario one of PBKS or KKR will make it to the playoffs. A loss for KKR as well will pave the way for PBKS to clinch the final IPL 2026 playoffs spot without the net run rate coming into the picture.

Kolkata Knight Riders (13 points, NRR +0.011)

It is rather incredible that despite five losses and one no result in their first six games, KKR are still in with a mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs. However, the equation for them is very tough. They first need RR to go down to MI and then must beat DC by a huge margin to surpass PBKS on net run rate.

As per ESPNcricinfo, if KKR score 200 batting first, they need to beat DC by 77 runs; If they score 225, the victory margin needs to be 76. On the other hand, if DC bat first and score between 180 to 200, KKR need to chase down the score in anywhere between 12 and 12.4 overs (depending on the final total).