Mumbai Indians beat Sunrisers Hyderabad to end a four-match losing streak. They are mathematically alive to qualify for the 2024 Indian Premier League play-offs. But skipper Hardik Pandya refused to buy into the crazy math.
Asked by Sanjay Manjrekar about his team's chances of reaching the second round, Hardik said in the post-match presentation:
“I’m not sure about what mathematical scenario we are talking about. However, I’m more keen on playing good cricket.”
This was MI's first win in recent matches. They did move up to ninth place on the points table. Apart from MI, there are three teams tied for eighth place: Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Compared to the five-time champions, the others have played fewer games. Delhi Capitals have 10 points. Chennai Super Kings (12 points), SRH (12 points) and Lucknow Super Giants (12 points) are also in contention.
If other matches go their way, MI has a chance of either catching up or overtaking these seven teams. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals lead the play-off race with 16 points each.
MI has two games left against Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. They must ensure that they win both of these matches. But their work won't be done as they will still be dependent on the results of the other teams to progress in the tournament.
For them, it would be vital that the top two teams in the league, RR and KKR, finish on top. The Sunrisers vs. Super Giants match will also go a long way for MI as the loser of that match will have to lose their remaining matches to finish with 12 points.
To keep MI's play-off chances alive, CSK will also need to lose their last three matches to finish with 12 points.
The remaining teams currently in the bottom four also need to finish below 12 points for MI to qualify.
Despite this, MI will be dependent on the NRR of the other teams in the league for their progress.