IPL 2024: Who will qualify for playoffs if RCB vs CSK match gets washed out due to rain?

Rain is likely to play spoilsport in RCB vs CSK clash in Bengaluru.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their final league match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Saturday, May 18, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The matchup is a must-win for RCB to qualify for the playoffs.

After six consecutive losses, it appeared like RCB would finish in the second half of the IPL 2024 points table. However, they have produced a miraculous turnaround to win their past five matches.

After Thursday’s match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, got abandoned due to rain, Sunrisers Hyderabad became the third team to qualify for the top four, along with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. Now, it has come down to the wire, as just one spot remains for the playoff contingent.

A win versus CSK would bring RCB to 14 points, level with CSK. A win of 18 runs or more, or chasing the total in 18.1 overs, will increase RCB’s net run rate over CSK, allowing the Faf du Plessis-led side to qualify for the playoffs.

What Will Happen If RCB vs CSK Match Turns Out To Be A Washout?

However, another factor can influence the outcome and is predicted to act as a spoiler in such a pivotal game of the season. According to the weather forecast for May 18, the city of Bengaluru might expect severe rainfall from late afternoon to midnight on Saturday, which will partially disrupt the game.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate to heavy rains in the city on May 18 between 7 PM and 10:30 PM, which coincides with the match hours. Additionally, the IMD has previously issued an orange alert in the city.

However, while the deadline for canceling the match is late, supporters can still expect a brief interaction between the two teams, given the stadium’s efficient drainage system.

However, if the match is not played at all due to rains, RCB’s IPL 2024 campaign will come to an end. And if the game gets reduced, it would make their task tougher as they have to win by the same margins to go past CSK’s NRR. 

If the weather disrupts the game, the points will be divided, with CSK qualifying after achieving 15 points and RCB remaining on 13 points.

If the RCB vs CSK match is rained out, KKR, RR, CSK, and SRH will advance to the playoffs, with KKR and RR playing Qualifier 1 and CSK and SRH competing in the Eliminator. The RR and SRH could swap places if RR lose their last game and SRH win their final match.

CSK are in a stronger position than RCB, with 14 points and NRR of +0.528. They only need one point to make the playoffs, and a washout will get them there. However, a win can boost their chances of finishing in the top two if RR and SRH both their last league matches.

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