IPL 2023: Here's how Punjab Kings (PBKS) can still qualify for the playoffs

Punjab Kings will take on Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023 on Wednesday, May 17, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. The two teams recently faced off against each other in their respective last games, where Punjab emerged victorious by 31 runs. The upcoming game is extremely important for Punjab, who are still in contention to qualify for the playoffs.

The Shikhar Dhawan-led side is currently ranked eighth on the IPL points table with six wins from 12 matches having 12 points to their name. With two games remaining in the tournament against DC and RR, Punjab have a great chance to qualify for the playoffs by winning both of their remaining fixtures.

However, one thing that could dent their chances of finishing in the top four is their poor net run rate of -0.268. PBKS face a strong threat from RCB, who are ranked in the fifth spot on the points table, having 12 points to their name as well with six wins from 12 games. RCB have a good positive net run rate of +0.166 which makes their task of qualifying for the playoffs easier if they manage to win both of their remaining games.

Hence, in order to seal a spot in the playoffs for Punjab, they will have to win both of their remaining fixtures by big margins and get ahead of RCB in the net run rate. If they fail to bring their net run rate into positive, they will have to hope that either RCB, LSG, CSK and MI lose one of their remaining fixtures.

Will Delhi spoil Punjab's party?

Punjab cannot afford to lose one more game in the league stage which will almost knock them out of the competition due to their poor net run rate.

On the other hand, Delhi are already knocked out of the competition with just four wins from 12 matches, having eight points to their name. The David Warner-led side will be looking to salvage some pride by winning their last two fixtures and spoiling Punjab’s party in the upcoming game.