Punjab Kings are in deep trouble in their final IPL 2026 league match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, May 23. After starting their campaign unbeaten in their first seven matches, they have suffered a dramatic slump and are yet to recover from it.

have lost six consecutive matchesShreyas Iyer’s team now finds itself in a must-win position. After sitting comfortably at the top of the table for a time, PBKS have slipped to fifth place with 13 points and a net run rate of +0.227. They are now battling Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Despite their disastrous performance in the second half of the league stage, PBKS remain in the race for a playoff spot thanks to a great start to the season. But how can they fight their way back into the top four?

How can Punjab Kings secure fourth place? IPL 2026

Scenario 1: PBKS beats LSG

If Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Super Giants, they will finish with 15 points, but their qualification will still not be guaranteed. Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders can still knock them out of the playoff race.

Rajasthan can move ahead with 16 points and deny them a place in the top four.

Kolkata can also finish on 15 points. In such a situation, the team with better net run rate will move ahead.

Scenario 2: PBKS loses to LSG

If Punjab Kings lose to Lucknow Super Giants, they will finish with 13 points and will be out of the competition.

Scenario 3: No result

If Saturday’s match is canceled due to rain or any other reason, Punjab Kings will finish with 14 points. In that case, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals can still oust them.

Rajasthan and Kolkata can overtake them in terms of points.

Delhi could also finish on 14 points and in that case, the team with a better net run rate will qualify for the playoffs.

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