Punjab Kings secured fourth place in the IPL 2026 points table by defeating Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets. This victory helped them edge ahead in the race to the Playoffs with a total of 15 points, one more than Rajasthan Royals in fifth place and two points ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders in sixth. With only Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders still in contention for the Playoffs, the final spot is up for grabs.
For Kolkata Knight Riders to claim the last Playoff spot, they need Rajasthan Royals to lose their upcoming match against Mumbai Indians. Following that, Kolkata Knight Riders must defeat Delhi Capitals by a significant margin to surpass Punjab Kings’ Net Run Rate. If batting first, they must win by 77 runs, and if chasing, they must complete their chase within 12.2 overs.
The team that finishes in fourth place will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator match on May 27 in New Chandigarh. This match will determine which team advances further in the playoffs.
The significance of these upcoming matches will shape the final standings and determine which team will secure the last Playoff spot. With the stakes high, the competition is intense as teams fight for a chance to advance in the tournament.
Published on May 24, 2026.
Follow Franchise Cricket for more IPL news.
