IPL 2025 Playoffs: Here's How The Final-4 Equation Could Shape Up
Maharashtra's Wankhede Stadium witnessed a high-voltage encounter between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 21 in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. It was a do-or-die match for both teams, with playoff qualification hanging in the balance.
Mumbai clinch dominant win
Delhi Capitals won the toss and opted to field first. Mumbai Indians found themselves in a tough spot at 123/5 in 16.3 overs, but a late flourish from Suryakumar Yadav (73 off 43) and Naman Dheer (24 off 8) helped the team post a strong total of 180/5 in 20 overs.
The duo added 57 runs in just 3.3 overs, with 48 of those coming in the final two overs.
In reply, Delhi Capitals crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 121 in 18.2 overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner were the stars with the ball, picking up three wickets each.
MI book Playoff berth
With this 59-run win, Mumbai Indians became the fourth team to qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs, joining Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Mumbai now sit fourth in the standings with 16 points from 13 matches (8 wins, 5 losses).
Here's the scenario
The playoff format pits the top two teams against each other in Qualifier 1, while the third and fourth placed teams face off in the Eliminator.
As things stand:
Qualifier 1 could be: Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Eliminator might be played between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians.
How teams are placed in playoffs?
Top two teams in points table at the end of league stage will play qualifier 1. Teams ending up in 3rd and 4th spot will play Eliminator.
The team that wins Qualifier 1 will qualify for final and the losing team will have another chance to reach the finals by participating in qualifier 2.
The team that loses the Eliminator will be knocked out and the winner will advace to qualifier 2 to face loser of qualifier 1.
The winner of qualifier 2 will the face the winner of qualifer 1 in IPL 2025 Final.
NOTE: The playoffs schedule is not confirmed yet, it will be finalised depending on how the remaining league stage matches unfold i.e the top four teams in points table at the end of league stage matches.
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