As the IPL 2024 league stage nears its end, only one spot in the playoffs remains up for grabs. Sun Risers Hyderabad (SRH) became the third team, after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), to qualify for the playoffs, following the abandonment of their game against Gujarat Titans due to rain.
The final playoff spot will be contested between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with both teams having realistic chances of advancing. While three teams, including Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals, can finish tied on 14 points, only RCB and CSK are in strong positions to secure the last spot.
In a high-stakes match, RCB will host CSK at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The game is being billed as a virtual knockout, with Virat Kohli’s RCB facing off against MS Dhoni’s CSK. While RCB can only aim for the 4th spot, CSK has the potential to finish as high as second in the points table.
Points Table Scenarios:
Delhi Capitals
Current Position: 5th with 14 points.
Playoff Hopes: Eliminated due to a poor Net Run Rate.
Lucknow Super Giants
Next Match: vs Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Friday.
Playoff Hopes: Extremely slim due to poor Net Run Rate.
Team Scenarios:
Kolkata Knight Riders
Remaining Match: vs Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Sunday, May 19.
Playoff Position: Assured of finishing at the top of the points table for the first time in IPL history. KKR could end the league as the only team with more than 20 points.
Rajasthan Royals
Remaining Match: vs Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati on Sunday, May 19.
Playoff Position: Can secure the second spot with a win against KKR. If they lose, they need both SRH and CSK to lose their final games to maintain their top 2 position.
Sun Risers Hyderabad
Remaining Match: vs Punjab Kings in Hyderabad on Sunday, May 19.
Playoff Position: Need a win to potentially secure the second spot. However, their position depends on Rajasthan Royals’ result against KKR.
Qualification Scenarios for CSK and RCB:
Chennai Super Kings
Remaining Match: vs RCB in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18.
Qualification Criteria:
Assured of a top 4 spot with a win.
Can qualify even if they lose, provided they do not lose by more than 18 runs while chasing 200 or more, or do not allow RCB to chase 200 or more within 18.1 overs.
Secures 4th place if the match is abandoned due to rain.
Can finish in the top 2 if they win, and both SRH and RR lose their last games.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Remaining Match: vs CSK in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18.
Qualification Criteria:
Must win against CSK to qualify.
Need to win by more tha n 18 runs if defending 200, or chase down 200 or more within 18.1 overs or fewer to secure a better Net Run Rate than CSK.
Will be knocked out if they lose or if the match is abandoned due to rain.
The cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the RCB vs CSK clash, which promises to be a thrilling contest with high stakes.
