RCB vs CSK IPL match: Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final IPL 2024 group stage match this week. (PHOTOS: PTI)
RCB vs CSK IPL match: RCB vs CSK: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) late resurgence has been the story of the IPL 2024 season so far but can they pull off one more win in the IPL match against South Indian rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK)?
After languishing near the bottom of the points table in the first part of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season, RCB have turned the tide and now with five wins on the bounce they are currently placed at No 5 and are still alive for the IPL playoffs race.
But there will be a lot of interest from CSK fans too who will be desperate to see their team return to the playoffs, and possibly play the final scheduled in Chennai. So, can they still go through even if they lose the IPL match against a side on a roll?
For, RCB the equation in the final IPL match is rather clear. They now have 12 points from 13 matches and need a win in the RCB vs CSK IPL match by a certain margin in the last league match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 18 to push their case for a playoff berth.
Can CSK qualify even if they lose?
Yes, as long as the defending champions manage to avoid a heavy defeat against RCB, they will be heading to the playoffs. A win guarantees a spot in the playoff stage for CSK and there is a scenario where they could even be in the top 2 – if RR (on a losing streak already) lose their last match and SRH win only one of their remaining two matches.
But, it won’t be easy against a red-hot RCB, so naturally CSK fans might be wondering worst-case scenarios. For starters, a washout in IPL match on Saturday in Bengaluru is good news for CSK as that will keep RCB below them. Otherwise, if CSK lose, they need to make sure the margin of defeat is closer than 17 runs. For instance, if RCB score 200, CSK must score at least 182. If RCB are chasing, CSK must ensure they don’t lose before 18.1 overs. (Rough calculations, could vary slightly based on exact scores). These scenarios will keep CSK’s NRR above RCB.
How RCB can qualify for the playoffs
The win streak has propelled Faf du Plessis side to the fifth place. The RCB vs CSK clash is a must-win match for Bengaluru. For the margin win against CSK to not matter, RCB would need to win and then for SRH to lose both their remaining games. If SRH beat GT today though, the only way for RCB to qualify would be to beat CSK by at least 18 runs or chase in 18.1 overs.
RCB’s NRR is +0.387, while CSK’s is +0.528. A close win will not help RCB’s cause as it will keep them below SRH and CSK, who have a superior NRR.
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