PBKS vs MI, IPL 2026: Punjab Kings lost yet another game, putting their qualification chances in an extremely tricky spot. The Mumbai Indians chased down 201 successfully, thanks to Tilak Varma’s outstanding knock of 75 on Thursday in Dharamshala to fashion their fourth victory of the season. With six wins and five losses now alongside only two games to go, it is certainly worth exploring how can Punjab Kings qualify for the playoffs.
PBKS vs MI, IPL 2026: How can Punjab Kings qualify for the playoffs?
With 13 points under their belt after six victories and one no result, Punjab Kings certainly have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. Out of the remaining two games, even if they lose one, Shreyas Iyer’s men can progress to the next stage but will be relying on results involving Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals. One win out of two can put them in a trickier spot, given SunRisers Hyderabad and Royals are also inching towards 16 points. One win out of two can only take them to 15.
Thus, Punjab Kings require the Super Kings and Royals to lose their remaining games, while they need the Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to win their specific matches.
PBKS vs MI, IPL 2026: Punjab Kings’ batting collapses after a strong start
The Mumbai Indians had staged an outstanding fightback to put Punjab Kings in a spot of bother, reducing them to 135/6. Punjab Kings were comfortably placed at 107/1 at one stage; however, Prabhsimran’s wicket for 57 triggered a collapse. But the Punjab Kings have set the five-time champions a formidable 201 to win. Azmatullah Omarazi, playing his first game, struck a quickfire 17-ball 38, while Vinod (15) and Xavier Bartlett (18) also played crucial cameos to lift their side to the 200-run mark.
Mumbai Indians had a strong start as well, with Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma stitching a 61-run opening stand. While Tilak was arguably the star of the show, Will Jacks’ cameo of 10-ball 25 was equally crucial.
