Explained: How RCB, CSK Can Qualify For IPL 2024 Playoffs After Wins Over DC, RR

CSK And RCB will face each other on May 18 in Bengaluru |Courtesy-BCCI

KEY HIGHLIGHTS RCB beat DC by 47 runs

CSK beat RR by 5 wickets

RCB host CSK in their final league stage game

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have set up a blockbuster clash against each other on Saturday (May 18) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in what will be the final league stage game for both sides in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), with both teams in prime position to reach the playoffs.

On Sunday (May 12), the Super Kings won their home game of the season in empathic fashion by a five-wicket margin over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the MA Chiadambaram Stadium in Chennai. The defending champions have now climbed to third place in the table with 14 points and a net-run rate of +0.528.

Meanwhile, RCB defeated the Capitals by 47 runs and are now fifth in the table with 12 points and a net-run rate of 0.387.

However, it is worth noting that while two points separate the teams, the next game will not be exactly a virtual quarterfinal and has other complications involved with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Gujarat Titans (GT) also in the race.

IPL 2024 Points Table

IPL 2024 points table 12-05-2024

How Can RCB and CSK Qualify For IPL 2024 Playoffs?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2024 Playoff Qualification Scenario

The situation for RCB is still a tough one despite an incredible comeback with five wins in a row. A win for RCB over CSK will not be enough as their net-run rate is still below the defending champions. The Virat Kohli-starrer franchise will have to win the game by a margin of 18 runs or chase a target within 18.1 overs. They will also hope that atleast either Sunrisers Hydrabad lose both their games and Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans win just one of their remaining two matches.

RCB will be knocked out of the playoff race before they take the field against CSK if SRH with atleast one of their remaining two games and LSG register victories in both matches left.

Chennai Super Kings IPL 2024 Playoff Qualification Scenario

The situation for CSK is much more simplier and a victory for team over RCB will take them through to the playoffs unless SRH win atleast one of their remaining two games and either of CSK or LSG win both matches. In this case, CSK could be knocked out if their NRR falls below both times.

Can Both CSK and RCB Qualify?

There still exits a small chance that both CSK and RCB qualify. This can only happen if RCB beat CSK, SRH lose both their games and LSG/GT win just one of their two games and both the Southern rivals can maintain a net run rate better than the SRH, LSG, and DC, and GT.

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