EXPLAINED: How can LSG still make it to IPL 2025 playoffs despite 54-run defeat vs MI, here's Lucknow's qualification scenario

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) recent defeat against Mumbai Indians has taken a further hit at their IPL 2025 playoff qualification chances. LSG suffered a 54-run defeat at the hands of the Mumbai Indians in the 45th match of IPL 2025, played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 27. The Rishabh Pant-led side not only endured a substantial loss against the five-time champions but also saw a considerable negative impact on their Net Run Rate (NRR), in addition to dropping crucial points.

Know LSG's playoff qualification scenario here

With this defeat against the Mumbai Indians, LSG have now suffered their fifth loss of the ongoing season. They currently occupy the 6th position on the points table, with a record of five wins and five losses, accumulating a total of 10 points from their ten matches played.

To secure a playoff berth, LSG will likely need to win at least three of their remaining four matches in the tournament. Achieving this would take them to 16 points, almost guaranteeing them a spot in the top four. While winning two of their remaining games and losing two would still keep them in contention, their qualification would then heavily depend on their Net Run Rate and the outcomes of other matches in the league, as 14 points may not be sufficient to secure a playoff spot.

Talking about the match, Mumbai Indians got off to a cracking start after put to bat first. The opening pair of Ryan Rickelton, who smashed the fastest half-century for the team in IPL 2025 in just 25 deliveries, and Rohit Sharma contributed 33 runs for the first wicket, immediately putting pressure on the Lucknow Super Giants' bowling attack.

Following this, Will Jacks provided valuable support to Rickelton, and together they maintained a healthy run rate of 10 for Mumbai. Suryakumar Yadav then continued the momentum with a solid half-century. Towards the end of the innings, unbeaten contributions from Naman Dhir (25*) and Corbin Bosch (20) ensured that Mumbai Indians finished strongly, posting a total of 215 runs for the loss of seven wickets. In response, LSG suffered an early setback with the loss of Aiden Markram. However, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran then batted aggressively, raising hopes of a successful run chase. Despite their promising contributions, the Mumbai Indians' bowlers consistently chipped away at the wickets, preventing Lucknow from building substantial partnerships and maintaining pressure on the opposition.

While Ayush Badoni and David Miller showed some resistance with the bat, the Mumbai bowlers continued their disciplined performance, taking wickets at regular intervals. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler, claiming four crucial wickets, while Trent Boult supported him well with three wickets. Ultimately, the Mumbai Indians bowled out LSG for 161 runs, securing a comfortable 54-run victory.

LSG will be next seen in action when they face Punjab Kings on Sunday, 4th May) in Dharamsala.