Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a big win recently, boosting their chances for the IPL 2024 playoffs. Their upcoming match against CSK might decide which team moves forward to the next round. In the recent game, RCB beat Delhi Capitals by 47 runs, marking their 5th consecutive victory of the season. This win put RCB in a good position for a top-four finish, with 12 points from 13 matches and a Net Run Rate of +0.387.
Their next match against Chennai Super Kings could be crucial, acting as a virtual knockout contest. The winner will advance to the playoffs, while the loser will be eliminated. Currently, CSK holds the 3rd spot in the points table, with 7 wins in 13 matches and a NRR of +0.528. Sunrisers Hyderabad, with 7 wins in 12 matches and a NRR of +0.406, are also contenders for the playoffs.
In the playoffs scenarios, Sunrisers Hyderabad have a good chance with an additional game in hand. A single victory might secure their spot with 14 points and a strong NRR. Lucknow Super Giants are also in contention, but they need to win both of their remaining matches due to their poor NRR of -0.769.
Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals are still mathematically in the race, but their chances are slim due to their inferior NRR and maximum potential points of 14.
For RCB to qualify, their best-case scenario involves SRH winning one or both of their matches and LSG not winning more than one. This would make the final playoff spot dependent on RCB’s match against CSK, turning it into a virtual eliminator. If it comes to that, RCB can surpass CSK’s run-rate if they beat them by 18 runs or more (assuming CSK scores 200 batting first). If given a target of 201, RCB would need to chase it down with around 11 balls remaining.
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