India, May 24 -- Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Kings by seven wickets in their IPL 2026 fixture on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive. The result saw PBKS climb to fourth position with 15 points in 14 matches, ahead of Rajasthan Royals, who are fifth now with 14 points in 13 games. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are sixth with 13 points in 13 fixtures.

PBKS, RR and KKR are in contention for the final playoff spot. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified for the playoffs.

Following PBKS' victory over LSG, KKR's qualification route has become harder. KKR have a net run rate of 0.083, compared to PBKS' 0.309. To qualify for the playoffs, KKR need to defeat DC by a huge marg...