IPL 2024 Qualification scenarios: How can RCB qualify for playoffs after SRH vs GT washout?

Match number 66 of IPL 2024 between SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday, May 16, was called off due to rain. In fact, even the toss could not be held due to damp conditions at the venue.

Following the washout, SunRisers Hyderabad became the third team to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs, after Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. SRH now have 15 points from 13 matches at a net run rate of +0.406. The result means Royal Challengers Bengaluru cannot match Hyderabad on points even if they win their last league game and Hyderabad lose theirs.

A win over Chennai Super Kings in their last league clash at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will take RCB to 14 points, equal with their opponents. However, a mere win would not be enough for them to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. Faf du Plessis and Co. also need to ensure that they surpass CSK's net run rate so that they can clinch the fourth place in the points table.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, have a net run rate of +0.387, while Chennai Super Kings are on +0.528. For RCB to go past CSK's run rate, they need to win by 18 or more runs, assuming they bat first and score 200.

If they are chasing, they need to get home with approximately 11 or more balls to spare (depending on how many runs they score with the winning hit).

In case of a shortened game, say five overs per side, RCB will need to chase down a target of 75 in 3.1 overs. If they bat first and score 75, they need to restrict CSK to 57 or less in five overs. That way, they will finish ahead of Chennai Super Kings on the basis of net run rate and qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs.

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Bengaluru weather threatens to hamper RCB's IPL 2024 playoff hopes

While RCB will be confident of putting up a good show against CSK, having won five games in a row, inclement weather in Bengaluru could thwart their IPL 2024 playoff hopes.

According to AccuWeather, while the temperature in Bengaluru on Saturday evening is expected to be around 23 degree Celsius, conditions will remain cloud with predictions for a thunderstorm.

There is 100 percent cloud cover forecast, while the probability of precipitation is 47 percent.

The night temperature on Saturday in Bengaluru would be around 22 degree Celsius. It will remain cloudy, while a thunderstorm and a shower has been predicted. The probability of thunderstorms is 37 percent and the probability of precipitation 62 percent.

If the RCB-CSK match gets washed out, Bengaluru will get knocked out, while Chennai will progress to the IPL 2024 playoffs.