IPL 2024 Playoffs: RCB vs CSK virtual knockout after SRH book top 4 spot

• Image Credit: Google

• May 17, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

In the crucial matchup between RCB and CSK at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, all eyes are on the showdown between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni as they vie for the fourth spot.

Digital Desk: With only one spot left in the playoffs after four games in the IPL 2024 league stage, SunRisers secured their spot following the washout of their penultimate league game against Gujarat, making them the third team after Kolkata and Rajasthan to qualify. The battle for the final playoff spot is primarily between RCB and CSK, although Lucknow and Delhi could potentially tie on 14 points.

In the crucial matchup between RCB and CSK at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, all eyes are on the showdown between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni as they vie for the fourth spot. While RCB can only secure fourth place, CSK has the opportunity to finish as high as second in the points table.

Delhi Capitals sit in fifth place with 14 points after completing their league matches, but their playoff aspirations were dashed due to their poor Net Run Rate. Lucknow's playoff hopes are slim due to the same reason, as they will conclude their campaign against MI in Mumbai.

KKR is set to finish on top of the points table for the first time in IPL history, with their final match against RR in Guwahati. Meanwhile, Rajasthan, despite a four-match losing streak, still have a chance to finish second and play in Qualifier 1 against KKR, provided they beat KKR in their last league game.

For SunRisers to secure a top-two spot, they must win their last league game against PBKS in Hyderabad. However, even with a win, their position is not guaranteed, as Rajasthan can retain their spot by defeating KKR.

CSK's path to qualification involves a win against RCB in Bengaluru. Even in defeat, they can still qualify for playoffs, provided they don't lose by a margin exceeding 18 runs while chasing 200 or more, or fail to restrict RCB from chasing a target of 200 or more within 18.1 overs. If Saturday's game is abandoned due to rain, CSK will finish fourth.

RCB's qualification now depends solely on defeating CSK, with the margin of victory playing a crucial role. They need to win by more than 18 runs if defending 200 or more or chase down a target of 200 or more in 18.1 overs or fewer to secure 14 points and a better Net Run Rate than CSK. If RCB loses or shares points with CSK due to rain, they will be eliminated.