 "RCB can reach IPL 2024 playoff by beating CSK but they will also need to improve their NRR. PTI")
Sunrisers Hyderabad reached the IPL playoffs after their home match against already-eliminated Gujarat Titans was abandoned without a toss due to rain. The washout resulted in SRH moving to 15 points which assured them of not falling out of the top four and are the third team so far to reach the playoffs after Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.
SRH qualifying for playoffs also means that the fight for the final spot has become a straight shootout between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The washout meanwhile also did a major favour to RR who were in danger of dropping out of the top two.
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | NR | NRR | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KKR (Q) | 13 | 9 | 3 | 1 | +1.428 | 19 |
| 2 | RR (Q) | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | +0.273 | 16 |
| 3 | SRH (Q) | 13 | 7 | 5 | 1 | +0.406 | 15 |
| 4 | CSK | 13 | 7 | 6 | 1 | +0.528 | 14 |
| 5 | DC | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | -0.377 | 14 |
| 6 | RCB | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | +0.387 | 12 |
| 7 | LSG | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | -0.787 | 12 |
| 8 | GT | 14 | 5 | 7 | 2 | -1.063 | 12 |
| 9 | PBKS | 13 | 5 | 8 | 0 | -0.347 | 10 |
| 10 | MI | 13 | 4 | 9 | 0 | -0.271 | 8 |
How RR can finish second?
RR face KKR in their last match on Sunday and a victory will help them take the second spot. In case of a defeat, RR can only finish second if SRH lose their last match against Punjab Kings and CSK don’t get more than one point in their match against RCB.
RR, however, can finish on fourth position as well if they lose to KKR, SRH add at least one more point to their tally and CSK beat RCB.
Can SRH still finish in top two?
Actually, they can but it’s not in their hands anymore after just one point from the GT match. First and foremost, SRH need to win their last match against PBKS to have a chance of finishing over RR. Also, RR will have to lose to KKR.
If SRH’s next game is also washed out then they will need RR to lose and RCB to beat CSK.
What are the scenarios for CSK and RCB?
The mega RCB vs CSK match will be played on Saturday.
For RCB, a victory is a must while CSK can go through with just one point which means they will not mind a washout.
A victory over RCB will give CSK a chance to move to the second spot if RR and SRH lose their last matches.
For RCB, who have a net run rate of 0.387, as compared to CSK’s 0.528, the aim will not just be a victory but also to improve their NRR. In such a scenario, if they make 200 batting first, they will need to beat CSK by 18 runs or chase the target with 11 balls to spare.
What about LSG and DC?
Lucknow Super Giants play their final league game on Friday against Mumbai Indians. If LSG beat MI and RCB defeat CSK, then CSK, DC, RCB and LSG will finish on 14 points and from that perspective LSG are still alive in the race but an NRR -0.787 means qualifying for playoffs is next to impossible.
If they field first against MI then they will be eliminated right away. If they bat first then they will need to beat MI by 310 runs should RCB beat CSK by 18 runs.
It’s equally complicated for DC which means both teams are as good as out.