KKR Beat MI By Four Wickets, Remain In Contention For IPL 2026 Playoffs
KKR stay alive in IPL playoffs after beating Mumbai Indians.
Kolkata Knight Riders kept their slim IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The victory moved KKR to 13 points and kept them in contention for the final remaining playoff berth in the tournament.
Chasing 148 in a rain-affected match, Kolkata reached the target in 18.5 overs. Manish Pandey steadied the innings with 45 off 33 balls before Rovman Powell scored a crucial 40 off 30 deliveries to revive the chase. Rinku Singh then sealed the victory with the winning boundary off Will Jacks.
Earlier, KKR’s bowling attack restricted Mumbai to 147/8 after captain Ajinkya Rahane elected to bowl first. Cameron Green and rookie pacer Saurabh Dubey struck early blows during the powerplay, while Sunil Narine produced another economical spell and dismissed Hardik Pandya at a key moment. Kartik Tyagi also claimed two wickets.
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Despite the win, Kolkata’s route to the playoffs remains complicated. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already secured qualification, leaving only one playoff spot available. KKR must now defeat Delhi Capitals in their final league game to move to 15 points. Any defeat would eliminate them from contention.
Kolkata are also dependent on other results. Rajasthan Royals, currently on 14 points, still have a match remaining against Mumbai Indians. If Rajasthan win, they will qualify with 16 points and knock KKR out. Kolkata therefore need Mumbai to defeat Rajasthan to keep the race open.
Punjab Kings also remain in contention with 13 points and one game left against Lucknow Super Giants. If both KKR and Punjab finish on 15 points, qualification will be decided on Net Run Rate. Kolkata’s playoff equation is therefore clear: beat Delhi Capitals, hope Rajasthan Royals lose, and stay ahead of Punjab Kings on Net Run Rate if necessary.
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