IPL 2024: SRH delivers knock-out punch to Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians became the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs race in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Led by Hardik Pandya in the ongoing season, MI have just 8 points from 12 matches, with just two to play.

SRH delivered the knock-out punch to Mumbai Indians after they cantered to a 10-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in Hyderabad on Wednesday. SRH scored 167 in just 9.4 overs to also boost their Net Run Rate.

Wednesday’s win meant SRH are now placed third with 14 points. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals are ahead of SRH with 16 points each. Mumbai Indians, with just 8 points, can get to a maximum of just 12 points if they win their remaining two games, which is insufficient to get to the top four, considering how the teams are placed currently

Mumbai Indians have won five IPL titles so far with their last title coming four years ago, in 2020. Last year, they were eliminated in the second qualifier by Gujarat Titans.

MI have had an underwhelming season in the ongoing IPL. They scored a blank on the points table in their first three matches and seemed to pull up their socks when they won three of the next four games. However, with four successive losses, their chances to make the playoffs diminished and once SRH won over LSG, the writing on the wall was clear for MI.

Meanwhile, SRH have a chance to finish in the top two after their dominating win over LSG. SRH have two more matches to go – against Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings – and they play both their matches in Hyderabad. Winning both the matches will take them to 18 points and depending on other results, SRH can also finish in the top two.