Chandigarh (Rajeev Sharma) The battle for the last available playoff berth in IPL 2026 has intensified after Punjab Kings registered a commanding victory over Lucknow Super Giants, setting up a thrilling final day of league-stage action.
Led by a sensational unbeaten century from skipper Shreyas Iyer, Punjab comfortably chased down a challenging 197-run target in just 18 overs, significantly strengthening their position in the standings. The result lifted Punjab to 15 points from 14 matches and placed them fourth on the table for now.
Lucknow, meanwhile, finished their campaign at the bottom of the 10-team standings with only eight points and no chance of progression.
Punjab’s victory also officially ended Delhi Capitals’ playoff hopes. Even a win in their final outing would only take Delhi to 14 points, leaving them short of the qualification mark.
However, the race for the fourth playoff place remains open, with Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders still mathematically in contention.
Rajasthan Royals, currently sitting on 14 points with one game left, control their own destiny. A victory over Mumbai Indians will seal their place in the knockout stage regardless of other outcomes. Even a washout could prove costly due to their inferior net run rate compared to Punjab.
Kolkata Knight Riders face a more difficult equation. They must first hope Rajasthan lose to Mumbai. If that happens, Kolkata would then need a dominant win over Delhi Capitals to surpass Punjab’s superior net run rate and snatch the final qualification spot.
For Punjab Kings, the wait now begins. Their playoff hopes depend entirely on results elsewhere, with fans set for an anxious Sunday as the final chapter of the league stage unfolds.
With three teams still fighting for one remaining ticket, IPL 2026 is set for a dramatic finish before the playoffs begin.
