In a crucial encounter in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Mumbai Indians faced their seventh season loss against Lucknow Super Giants at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, April 30.

MI’s Batting Collapse

Put into bat first, Mumbai Indians encountered yet another batting collapse, losing four wickets within the powerplay overs. With only 28 runs in the first six overs, MI was in a precarious situation. However, resilient performances from Nehal Wadhera, Ishan Kishan, and Tim David helped them post 144/7.

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Stoinis’ Crucial Innings

In response to MI’s target, Marcus Stoinis played a pivotal role for Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 62 runs off 45 deliveries. Supported by KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran, Stoinis guided LSG to victory in a low-scoring thriller, clinching the win in the final over.

Impact on IPL 2024 Standings

Following the result, Lucknow Super Giants soared to the third position in the IPL 2024 points table with 12 points. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians remained in ninth place with only 6 points from 10 matches.

MI’s Playoff Hopes

The defeat dealt a significant blow to Mumbai Indians’ playoff qualification aspirations. With only four matches remaining in the league phase, MI’s path to the playoffs appears challenging. Despite being mathematically in contention, they must win all their remaining matches and rely on favourable results elsewhere to secure a playoff spot. Can they still finish in playoff positions? Here is a look at MI’s Playoff chances in IPL 2024:

Remaining Matches

Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants in their remaining league stage matches. Although they have the advantage of playing three matches at home, they confront formidable opponents who have already defeated them earlier in the season.

MI remaining IPL 2024 matches

MI vs Kolkata Knight Riders – May 3, Friday – 7:30 PM IST (Wankhede Stadium)

MI vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – May 6, Monday – 7:30 PM IST (Wankhede Stadium)

MI vs Kolkata Knight Riders – May 11, Saturday – 7:30 PM IST (Eden Gardens)

MI vs Lucknow Super Giants – May 17, Friday – 7:30 PM IST (Wankhede Stadium)

Challenges Ahead

MI’s chances of reaching the playoffs are no longer entirely in their control. Even winning all their remaining matches would only take them to 14 points, with no guarantee of securing a top-four finish. One more defeat and they will be out of the race as 12 points will not be enough to finish in the top four with three teams already on that many points and a few one win away from 12 points. So, MI are virtually out of the playoff race as things stand along with RCB.