IPL league matches have reached fever pitch with two teams SRH and CSK already into the playoffs.

The three others —  Mumbai Indians, Kings XI  and Rajasthan Royals  — are now vying for a place in the last two slots.  Now, which two teams among these stand a chance for the last two slots in the playoffs?

Let's take a look at the possible combinations:  Kings XI can come in only if the other three teams lose, and Mumbai can get a place if RCB loses against Rajasthan Royals.

The importance of NRR

If all the teams are tied with equal points, the Net Run Rate will be taken into consideration for playoff entry. So, how is the NRR calculated?

First, calculate the average runs per over scored by a team throughout the IPL competition and let us call it as A.

Then, calculate the average runs per over scored by the opponent against that team throughout the competition and say, it is B.

Then, Net Run Rate or NRR is derived from the difference between A and B or simply A minus B.

If the average net run rate by the opponent is more in comparison, then the NRR will be a negative number. That could turn out to be unfavourable to the team. NRR calculation will come into importance when two or more teams are tied equally at the points table.

The NRR formula is:

NRR = ((Total runs scored by team)/(Total overs played by team)) - ((Total runs scored against team)/(Total overs played against team))

Mumbai Indians have an edge

For instance, in the IPL this year, among the teams that were locked at the bottom rung of the points table, Mumbai Indians have a higher probability to go into the qualifying round with a better Net Run Rate comparatively.

With the RCB eliminated, and the others Kings XI, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders having minus NRR, Mumbai Indians have a reason to smile with one match to go later today.

Net Run Rate calculationjpg
 

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