The second season of the Delhi Premier League has lived up to its billing. High-quality cricket, last-over thrillers, centuries, hat-tricks and a table that has swung like a pendulum. With East Delhi Riders and Central Delhi Kings sealing the first two semifinal spots, the stage is now set for a gripping final week. Four sides, including West Delhi Lions, New Delhi Tigers, South Delhi Superstarz, and North Delhi Strikers, are left to fight it out for the remaining two playoff berths. Every match from here on carries knockout intensity, and a simple mistake could end a season that started with great passion and hopes.
DPL 2025 qualification scnearios
West Delhi Lions: Best placed to go through
Nitish Rana’s West Delhi Lions are currently sitting third with 10 points, and a win against the already knocked-out Outer Delhi Warriors will all but confirm their place in the playoffs. Even if they slip up, their positive net run rate (+0.501) gives them a cushion. Simply put, West Delhi have their fate in their own hands and are favorites to take one of the two open slots. Unfortunately for West Delhi, two of their matches have been washed out, denying them for four possible points.
New Delhi Tigers: Win or risk elimination
Last year’s title winning captain, Himmat Singh has failed to be a dominant force this time around. The Tigers find themselves in a tricky spot with 8 points from 9 matches. Their last league game against North Delhi Strikers is a virtual eliminator. Win and they will move to 10 points, keeping themselves firmly in contention. But with a slightly inferior NRR (+0.340), they cannot afford a slip, especially if the Lions or Superstarz secure victories. For the Tigers, it’s a must-win.
South Delhi Superstarz: Two games, two lifelines
Now, a team that has made a remarkable comeback in the season. They were winless in their first four games and an elimination looked likely. But Ayush Badoni’s side has shown tremendous willpower. Also, the Superstarz have played one game less, which gives them a slight advantage. Currently on 8 points with two fixtures left, they can go up to 12 if they beat both North Delhi Strikers and Purani Dilli 6. Even one win could keep them in the hunt, depending on other results, though their poor NRR (-1.093) could hurt if it comes down to a tie on points. Their equation is straightforward. Win both, and qualification is certain.
North Delhi Strikers: A tough road ahead for Harshit Rana’s team
Being a captain for the first time, Harshit Rana hasn’t been able to bring out consistent performance from his team, the North Delhi Strikers. The Strikers, with 7 points from 8 matches, need back-to-back wins to stay alive. Their upcoming clashes against South Delhi and New Delhi Tigers are effectively knockouts, and anything less than two wins will end their campaign. Moreover, their negative NRR (-0.504) means they must win big to stay ahead in the points tussle.
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