IPL 2024 Qualification scenarios: How can MI qualify for playoffs after their 10-run loss to DC?

Mumbai Indians (MI) went down to Delhi Capitals (DC) by 10 runs in match number 43 of IPL 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, April 27. Bowling first after winning the toss, MI conceded 257 runs while claiming four wickets. In their chase, they were held to 247-9.

Mumbai's bowlers suffered at the hands of Delhi's batters, as Jake Fraser-McGurk clobbered 84 off 27, while Tristan Stubbs hammered 48* off 25 and Shai Hope 41 off 17.

In the chase, Tilak Varma top-scored with 63 off 32 for Mumbai Indians, while skipper Hardik Pandya contributed 46 off 24 and Tim David 37 off 17.

With their sixth defeat in nine matches, MI are languishing in ninth position in the IPL 2024 points table. They have six points with a net run rate of -0.261.

Speaking about qualification for the playoffs, teams have needed a minimum of 16 points to finish in the top-four in the last two seasons, with the tournament featuring 10 sides.

If we go by that yardstick, Mumbai Indians need to win all their remaining five matches. By doing so, they will finish the league stage with 16 points.

However, while that itself is a herculean task, even winning all their remaining matches might not be enough for Mumbai to qualify in case multiple teams finish on 16 points. They, thus, must also ensure that they boost their net run rate significantly.

If MI win four of their remaining five games, they will finish the league stage on 14 points. That will make their chances of qualifying even slimmer.

For Mumbai to qualify for the playoffs in such a scenario, the top three teams will need to finish with more than 16 points, while the remaining six sides must end with less than 12 points. And if multiple teams finish on 14 points, MI need to somehow finish fourth.

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MI's remaining matches in IPL 2024

Mumbai Indians' next match in IPL 2024 will be against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, April 30. They then face Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede on May 3 and May 6 respectively.

Mumbai's last two league games in IPL 2024 will be against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on May 11 and against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede on May 17.

April 30: Mumbai vs Lucknow, Ekana Stadium (7:30 PM IST)

May 3: Mumbai vs Kolkata, Wankhede Stadium (7:30 PM IST)

May 6: Mumbai vs Hyderabad, Wankhede Stadium (7:30 PM IST)

May 11: Mumbai vs Kolkata, Eden Gardens (7:30 PM IST)

May 17: Mumbai vs Lucknow, Wankhede Stadium (7:30 PM IST)