Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Super Giants

Punjab Kings kept themselves alive in the IPL playoff race on Saturday by beating Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets in Lucknow, but the win did not settle the final top-four place on its own. Shreyas Iyer made 101 not out from 51 balls as Punjab chased 197 with two overs to spare, according to ESPNcricinfo. Prabhsimran Singh added 69, and Punjab finished on 200 for 3 after Lucknow had posted 196 for 6. The result pushed Punjab back into the top four at the end of the day and turned the last playoff berth into a three-team race involving Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, according to NDTV and News18. ### How did Punjab pull off a chase of 197? Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten century was the decisive innings. (espncricinfo.com) ESPNcricinfo said it was his first IPL hundred and that it helped Punjab end a six-match losing streak at a point when defeat would have effectively ended their campaign. Prabhsimran Singh’s 69 gave Punjab early momentum in the chase, while the scorecard shows the team reached 200 in 18 overs, leaving 12 balls unused. (sports.ndtv.com) That margin mattered because qualification scenarios on the final day were tied not only to points but also to net run rate. ### What did Lucknow score, and who stood out for them? (espncricinfo.com) Lucknow Super Giants made 196 for 6 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. ESPNcricinfo listed Josh Inglis as their top scorer with 72 and Ayush Badoni with 43, while Punjab bowlers Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen took two wickets each. Cricbuzz’s match page also recorded Punjab’s seven-wicket win and named Iyer player of the match. (espncricinfo.com) ### Why didn’t the win send Punjab through immediately? News18 said Punjab were left favored because of their net run rate, but not guaranteed a place. The final spot still depended on results elsewhere on Sunday. (espncricinfo.com) NDTV described the situation after Saturday’s match as “3 teams, 1 spot.” Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders all remained mathematically alive for the last berth, while Delhi Capitals were no longer in control of the race. (mlb.cricbuzz.com) ### What exactly do Punjab, Rajasthan and Kolkata need now? (news18.com) Rajasthan Royals have the simplest equation. ESPNcricinfo’s preview for Sunday’s game said Rajasthan would qualify with a win over Mumbai Indians, regardless of other results. Punjab have completed their schedule, so they now need other results to hold. (sports.ndtv.com) News18 said Punjab’s net run rate left them in the strongest position among the teams not controlling their own fate. Yahoo’s playoff scenarios report said Punjab need Rajasthan to lose and Kolkata not to secure the necessary result to overtake them. Kolkata Knight Riders still have one match left, against Delhi Capitals. NDTV said Kolkata need both a result in that game and outside help from Mumbai Indians against Rajasthan to break into the top four. ### What happens next on Sunday? Sunday’s final league-stage double-header will decide the last IPL playoff place. (news18.com) ESPNcricinfo’s preview lists Mumbai Indians against Rajasthan Royals, while NDTV and News18 say Kolkata Knight Riders also remain alive before their game against Delhi Capitals. The three teams still in contention for the last berth are Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders. (sports.ndtv.com) Punjab’s work is finished; Rajasthan and Kolkata still have matches to play. (news18.com)