Following the double-headers on Sunday, May 5, the Indian Premier League (IPL) points table has undergone significant changes, and the race for the playoffs has intensified. In the day's first game, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) overcame Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 28 runs in Dharamshala. This victory marks CSK's sixth win in eleven matches, propelling them to the third spot on the IPL points table. Meanwhile, PBKS, with just four wins from eleven matches, remains in the eighth position.
In the day's second match, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their eighth win of the season, defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a substantial margin of 98 runs. With this victory, KKR has achieved the highest net run rate of 1.453 and has usurped Rajasthan Royals (RR) as the table toppers. Conversely, LSG has dropped out of the top four, currently sitting in fifth place with six wins from eleven games.
Rajasthan Royals now occupy the second spot, having secured eight wins from ten matches. RR's last match was a nail-biter against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 2, which they won by just one run. Both RR and KKR have nearly secured their spots in the playoffs.
On the other end of the spectrum, five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are languishing at the bottom of the points table with just three wins in eleven matches. MI has lost their last four games, effectively eliminating them from playoff contention.
IPL 2024 Points Table:
| Position | Team | Mat | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
| 1. | Kolkata Knight Riders | 11 | 8 | 3 | 16 | +1.453 |
| 2. | Rajasthan Royals | 10 | 8 | 2 | 16 | +0.622 |
| 3. | Chennai Super Kings | 11 | 6 | 5 | 12 | +0.700 |
| 4. | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 10 | 6 | 4 | 12 | +0.072 |
| 5. | Lucknow Super Giants | 11 | 6 | 5 | 12 | -0.371 |
| 6. | Delhi Capitals | 11 | 5 | 6 | 10 | -0.442 |
| 7. | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 11 | 4 | 7 | 8 | -0.049 |
| 8. | Punjab Kings | 11 | 4 | 7 | 8 | -0.187 |
| 9. | Gujarat Titans | 11 | 4 | 7 | 8 | -1.320 |
| 10. | Mumbai Indians | 11 | 3 | 8 | 6 | -0.356 |
MI to face SRH
Looking ahead, MI is set to face SRH at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 6. In their previous encounter this season, SRH set a record total of 277 and triumphed over MI by 31 runs. A win in this upcoming match is crucial for SRH to maintain their position in the top four. Although MI is nearly out of playoff contention, they still have the opportunity to disrupt the standings for other teams.
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