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How Can Hardik Pandya's MI Finish In Top Two After Qualifying For IPL 2025 Playoffs?

Rajgeeta Yadav

Mumbai Indians thrash DC to storm into playoffs [Source: AP Photos]Mumbai Indians thrash DC to storm into playoffs [Source: AP Photos]

Mumbai Indians (MI) are on cloud nine after a big win against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday, May 21. This win secured their place in the IPL 2025 playoffs. MI defeated DC by 59 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, thanks to strong performances by Suryakumar Yadav (73* runs), Mitchell Santner (3 wickets), and Jasprit Bumrah (3 wickets). This victory helped them grab the fourth and final playoff spot.

MI are currently 4th on the points table. They have 16 points from 13 matches and their last league match is against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 26 in Jaipur. If they win that match, they will finish with 18 points.

But just winning their last match won’t guarantee them a place in the top two.

Why Finishing In he Top Two Matters

Teams that finish in the top two get two chances to reach the final, which is a big advantage. So, MI will be hoping to move up from fourth to second or even first, if things go their way. 

There are three other teams ahead of MI right now:

Gujarat Titans (GT) with 18 points, meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 17 points and Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 17 points

All three of these teams have two matches left, while MI have only one. For MI to make it to the top two, at least two of these teams must lose both their remaining matches.

What MI Need to Happen

Here’s how MI can finish in the top two:

Firstly, MI must beat PBKS in their last match to reach 18 points. Then, they need two out of GT, RCB, and PBKS to lose both of their remaining matches.

If that happens, MI could either finish ahead on points or have a better Net Run Rate (NRR) to climb into the top two.

Possible Scenarios

Scenario 1 – If RCB and PBKS lose both their remaining matches:

  • GT: 22 points
  • MI: 18 points
  • RCB: 17 points
  • PBKS: 17 points

Scenario 2 – If GT and RCB lose both their matches:

  • PBKS: 19 points
  • MI: 18 points
  • GT: 18 points
  • RCB: 17 points

Scenario 3 – If PBKS and GT lose both their matches:

  • RCB: 21 points
  • MI: 18 points
  • GT: 18 points
  • PBKS: 17 points

In all these cases, MI can finish second if their Net Run Rate is better than the other 18-point teams.