The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got another huge kick in their search for a position in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs after Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday.
The win meant that LSG would not be able to catch up to RCB in the points table even if they win their final league match of the campaign. DC's substandard Net Run Rate also prevents them from obtaining a 4th place spot in the competition. For RCB, the only team that seems to be in their way of a place in the playoffs is Chennai Super Kings.
The Bengaluru franchise is currently sitting on the sixth place in the points table with 6 wins (12 points) in 13 matches and a Net Run Rate of +0. 387. The Delhi Capitals, that are 5th, have 14 points in 14 matches with an NRR of -0. 377.
Sunrisers Hyderabad 4th in the league with two games left to play, at 14 points and a NRR of +0. 406. CSK are in the third position with 14 points from 13 matches, and an NRR of +0. 528.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru must win their match against the Chennai Super Kings. There is absolutely no chance Faf du Plessis's team can finish in the top 4. If RCB defeats CSK, they will either upset Pat Cummins' SRH or Ruturaj Gaikwad's club in the playoffs.
Despite beating CSK, RCB's net run rate is still lower. In such case, SRH would have to lose both of its remaining league games for RCB to win. Prior to their game against the Punjab Kings, SRH are slated to play the Gujarat Titans. Should SRH drop both games, they will still have 14 points.
Should SRH triumph in both of their upcoming games, they will be guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. In such case, RCB could only defeat CSK in the last four races. If SRH is already eliminated, RCB would essentially need to defeat CSK by 18 runs if they choose to bat first and score 200 runs. In the event that RCB bowls first and is set a target of 201 runs, they will need to reach the goal in about 11 balls.
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