IPL 2021 Playoff Qualification Scenario, CSK vs PBKS: Punjab hoping for miracle against Dhoni's Chennai

MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may have suffered a series of setbacks in their previous two games (against RR and DC), but the side is all but assured of a top-2 finish -- thanks to SRH's victory over Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday.

The KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS), meanwhile, face contrasting fortunes as the side's low NRR means they remain in dire need of a miracle when they meet CSK.

Points Table

Position	Teams	M	W	L	Points	NRR	Qualified	Last 3 Matches
1	Delhi Capitals	13	10	3	20	+0.526	Q	W W l
2	Chennai Super Kings	13	9	4	18	+0.739	Q	L L W
3	Royal Challengers Bangalore	13	8	5	16	-0.159	Q	W W W
4	Kolkata Knight Riders	13	6	7	12	+0.294	-	W L W
5	Mumbai Indians	13	6	7	12	-0.048	-	W L W
6	Punjab Kings	13	5	8	10	-0.241	-	L W L
7	Rajasthan Royals	13	5	8	10	-0.737	-	L W L
8	Sunrisers Hyderabad	13	3	10	6	-0.422	-	L L W

IPL 2021 Playoff Qualification Scenario: Chennai Super Kings

The CSK need a win to ensure a top-2 spot in the IPL 2021 table. However, even if MS Dhoni's side loses its final game against PBKS, it is unlikely that they will fall further in the standings, thanks to their hugely superior NRR to RCB.

If Punjab Kings register a landslide victory over CSK, however, Dhoni's men will be hoping for an RCB defeat in the side's final game against table-toppers Delhi Capitals.

IPL 2021 Playoff Qualification Scenario: Punjab Kings

The chances for playoff qualification look bleak for KL Rahul's men. With the second-worst NRR among the team battling for the fourth position, PBKS remain in need of a miracle.

Even if Punjab win their last game by a huge margin, they will need Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders to concede defeats in their final game MI meet the bottom-placed SRH, while KKR face Rajasthan Royals.