On Wednesday (May 8), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hammered Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by ten wickets in match 57 of IPL 2024. With the heavy defeat, KL Rahul-led Lucknow are at the sixth position, with 12 points, and now in a do-or-die situation in their remaining games. Meanwhile, LSG’s loss has eliminated Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) out of the IPL 2024 playoffs race.

The five-time winners MI can reach 12 points at best, even if they win their last few games. They currently have only four wins in a dozen encounters. With Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) looking almost certain to end the league stage as the top-two teams, SRH — 14 points — and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — 12 points — are at the third and fourth spot, respectively. The fifth and sixth-ranked Delhi Capitals (DC) and LSG, respectively, face-off in the national capital next week, hence, one of them will have 13 points, at least (even if rain plays spoilsport). Thus, MI became the first team to be out of the playoffs race in this season.

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Talking about the SRH-LSG encounter, in Hyderabad, Rahul-led Lucknow opted to bat first and rode on Ayush Badoni’s 55 not out and vice-captain Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 48 to post 165 for 4. In reply, SRH openers Travis Head (89* off 30 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (75* off 28 balls) made a mockery of the run-chase, completing it in 9.4 overs with ten wickets in hand. MI fans were hoping for a huge favour from LSG, but Rahul-led franchise fell flat against Pat Cummins & Co. 

Meanwhile, the likes of Punjab Kings (PBKS), Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are also nearing elimination but all three have an outside chance to date. The trio have 8 points each with a negative Net Run Rate (NRR).

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