Islamabad United have qualified for the playoffs of Pakistan Super League 2018 (PSL) and are guaranteed for a top finish. The Misbah ul Haq-led side have one much left but sit comfortably on top of ISL 2018 points table. Even if Islamabad United lose their last league stage match against Karachi Kings they will still end up with the numero uno position. So, Islamabad United have already made a place in Qualifier 1. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars are already out of contention. So, it leaves Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, newcomers Multan Sultans and defending champions Peshawar Zalmi with a chance to take up the remaining three places.

On last day of the league stage four teams will be in action and by the end of it we will have three more teams joining Islamabad United in the playoffs. After the Qualifier 1 in Dubai, the Eliminator 1 and 2 will take place in Lahore and teams will be looking to be part of the historic contests.

All eyes will be on two matches to take place on last day of the league stage. Islamabad United will face Karachi Kings while Peshawar Zalmi will take on Lahore Qalandars. Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans have played all their ten matches and will bank on other results to qualify for last four.

If Peshawar Zalmi fail to win their match against Lahore Qalandars then Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings qualify for playoffs along with Quetta Gladiators. In case, Peshawar Zalmi beat Lahore Qalandars, then they will then join Quetta and Islamabad.

PSL 2018 Points Table

Teams Matches Won Lost Points Nrr
Islamabad United 9 7 2 14 +0.467
Quetta Gladiators 10 5 5 10 +0.312
Karachi Kings 9 4 4 9 -0.118
Multan Sultans 10 4 5 9 -0.191
Peshawar Zalmi 9 4 5 8 +0.399
Lahore Qalandars 9 3 6 6 -0.908

Karachi Kings, on the other hand, will have to beat Islamabad United to advance to next stage. Here Multan Sultans would depend on Islamabad United’s win over Karachi to qualify, but net run-rate will come into play.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 16, 2018 06:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).