Royal Challengers Bangalore became the third team to qualify for the IPL 2021 play-offs but the race for the last spot in the final four has heated up after 49 matches in the season.

KKR got to 12 points from 13 matches and they have a positive Net Run Rate of +0.294. They are the only team to have a positive net run rate among the 4 teams that are still in contention for the play-offs spot.

If KKR win their final match against RR, they stand a great chance to make the play-offs.

All 4 teams KKR, PBKS, RR and MI -- can end up with 12 points at the end of the group stages. PBKS need a few other results to go their way to sneak through to play-offs.

Kolkata Knight Riders chances of reaching the play-offs received a huge boost after their win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. Mumbai Indians are in a spot of bother as their net run rate -0.453 is the worst among the 4 teams in contention for the final play-offs spot.Mumbai Indians need to beat Rajasthan Royals on October 5 and Sunrisers Hyderabad on October 8. Also, they need to win those two matches by a big margin to get their net run rate into the positive territory which looks an uphill task.If KKR win their next match, MI's chances of reaching the play-offs take a big hit.

It is safe to say KKR have their fate in their own hands now. All Kolkata need to do is win their final match. Much like Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals have their fate in their own hands as they are facing their rivals KKR and Mumbai Indians in their last two matches.The equation is simple for RR: Beat MI on October 5 and KKR on October 7 and reach the play-offs.

If they manage to win it by a big margin, the doors will close on the other three teams who are in contention for the final spot. It has to be noted that only one of RR and MI can get to 14 points as the two will meet each other on October 5. The defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore has dented Punjab Kings' chances of reaching the play-offs. Unlike the other 3 teams who are in contention for the last spot in the play-offs, PBKS can't get to 14 points.PBKS don't have their fate in their own hands.All PBKS can do is beat CSK by a big margin and hope KKR lose their next match to Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians beat RR on October 5.

Tags :IPL 2021IPL 2021 Qualification ScenariosKolkata Knight Riders