How MI Come top 2 points table OF playoffs?

2025.05.23

With 16 points from 13 games, the five-time winners MI aim for an improbable top-two finish.

In addition to securing the last playoff berth, the Mumbai Indians (MI) maintained their hopes of winning the IPL 2025 title with a decisive 59-run victory against the Delhi Capitals. The five-time winners are now on the verge of making an unlikely jump into the top two of the points standings, which would provide them with a vital double chance in the playoffs, with 16 points from 13 games. However, MI’s route is limited and full of ifs and buts with only one league game remaining and tough opposition from the Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings.

Winning their last league game versus PBKS is MI’s first and most important goal. With this win, they would go up to 18 points, matching the current leaders, GT, who are already at the top of the table with 18 points. They may even surpass RCB and PBKS, who are all at 17 points with two games left.

But a victory by itself won’t be enough. MI’s destiny is closely tied to how well the other leading candidates do. At least two of the current top three teams—GT, RCB, and PBKS—must lose both of their remaining games if Mumbai is to place in the top two. MI would be one of just two teams to attain or surpass 18 points if this domino effect materializes, and their higher Net Run Rate (NRR) might move them up to second or perhaps first place in the standings.

MI may unexpectedly end up at the top of the league stage if the top three clubs lose both of their remaining games. Mumbai’s aspirations of finishing in the top two and the corresponding safety net in Qualifier 1 will be shattered if even two of these three are able to win just one game apiece.

The focus of this last week has shifted from matches to margins, run rates, and scoreboard analysis. The playoff matrix might change with each run, wicket, and over. The calculators for MI will be released right away following their matchup with PBKS. With bated breath, they will watch the remaining games in the hopes that their opponents would suffer not just losses but significant ones.

Mumbai’s net run rate may be their greatest ally or their silent demise. They have to win, but they have to win big. They will also need their rivals to suffer significant losses. Everything might be ruined by a tight finish for Gujarat or a little loss for RCB. Mumbai’s renowned big-match attitude and strategic acumen off the field may be just as important in this situation as their on-court displays.

Net Run Rate may end up being the decisive factor in a tie if MI wins the points scenario. Mumbai now has a remarkable NRR of +1.292, which is far greater than that of the Gujarat Titans (+0.795), RCB (+0.482), and PBKS (+0.389). Mumbai’s resounding wins throughout the season might give them the advantage in the final rankings if teams are equal on points thanks to this statistical advantage.

@CHARITH RAJAPAKSHA