As the IPL 2024 season nears its climax, excitement is at its peak with five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vying for the final playoff spot in their last league stage encounter.
Table toppers Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have already secured their places in the knockout stages. However, the last team to join them in the playoffs is still undecided.
RCB, currently on a five-match winning streak, showcased their prowess by outclassing Delhi Capitals by 47 runs in their previous game. Despite a shaky start, the Bengaluru-based franchise gained momentum mid-season to stay in the title race. With 12 points in 13 matches, RCB are placed sixth in the standings. To keep their title hopes alive, RCB must win against CSK and do so by a significant margin to improve their net run-rate compared to the defending champions.
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK holds 14 points from 13 games, currently occupying the fourth spot in the points table. A win against RCB will ensure CSK’s progression to the playoffs. Even in the event of a loss, CSK can still qualify based on their net run rate (NRR), provided they keep the losing margin minimal.
Adding to the suspense, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in Chennai on Friday and Saturday (match day). In case of a washout or a truncated match, the scenarios favor CSK more than RCB. Both teams will receive a point each if the match is abandoned, while a reduced overs match will make it harder for RCB to support their NRR even with a win.
Chennai will host Bengaluru at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, in what promises to be a thrilling contest to secure the last playoff berth in IPL 2024.
