Mumbai Indians, on Wednesday (May 8), became the first team to be eliminated from the playoff race in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). The fate of the five-time champions was sealed after Lucknow Super Giants’ defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
SRH thrashed LSG by ten wickets to move to third place in the IPL 2024 points table. After suffering a seven-wicket loss in their previous game against Mumbai Indians, SRH bounced back in style to defeat LSG. Batting first, LSG recovered from 66 for 4 in the 12th over to post a competitive total of 165 for 4 in 20 overs. Ayush Badoni (55*) and Nicholas Pooran (48*) rescued LSG after their dismal start.
However, SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma made a mockery of the target as they hit fiery half-centuries to take their team home in just 9.4 overs. Head smashed 89 runs off just 30 balls with the help of eight fours and as many sixes. On the other hand, Sharma remained unbeaten on 75 off 28 balls with the help of eight fours and six sixes.
The win was SRH’s seventh of the season in 12 games and moved them to third place in the points table. The team led by Pat Cummins has practically sealed its place in the playoffs. On the other hand, LSG is in sixth place with six wins and as many losses and now faces a Herculean task to qualify for the next phase.
Mumbai Indians out of playoffs:
SRH’s victory against LSG confirmed the fate of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. They will exit the competition in the league stage. With four wins in 12 games, Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians are currently languishing at ninth place in the points table.
Even if they win the remaining two matches, they will finish with 12 points. Three teams, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, already have 14 points. Since Delhi Capitals and LSG will face each other on May 14, one of them would also get 14 points. It means that Mumbai Indians will not be able to make it to the top four.
SRH’s victory has also made the upcoming match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru a do-or-die clash. The losing team will be eliminated from IPL 2024. Both teams have four wins in 11 matches so far and can finish with a maximum of 14 points.