In the thrilling saga of IPL 2024, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have officially secured their spot in the playoffs, becoming the second team to do so after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Their ticket to the playoffs was punched as Delhi Capitals (DC) triumphed over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a margin of 19 runs in their recent clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on May 14, Tuesday. With this victory, RR now eyes a coveted top-two finish in the league standings.
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Previously, RR faced a setback when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) handed them a defeat by five wickets in their final home match at the M Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. However, RR’s impressive tally of 16 points, garnered from eight wins in twelve matches, ensured their berth in the top four. With LSG’s defeat, RR emerged as the sole team alongside KKR capable of reaching a maximum of 20 points by the end of the league stage. Following RR, only two more teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and CSK, stand a chance of reaching the 16-point mark.
RR’s quest for a top-two finish hinges on their upcoming encounter against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Baraspara Stadium, Guwahati, scheduled for May 15, Wednesday. Despite facing three consecutive losses against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings, RR remains optimistic about regaining their winning momentum. Notably, Rajasthan had enjoyed a stellar run earlier, securing victories in four consecutive matches and suffering just one loss in their initial nine encounters.
As the league stage concludes, Delhi Capitals concluded their campaign with a resounding victory over Lucknow Super Giants, propelling them to the fifth spot on the points table with seven wins in fourteen matches. However, their hopes of advancing to the playoffs hang in the balance, contingent upon the outcomes of other teams’ matches. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants’ playoff aspirations dim as they languish in the seventh position with six wins in thirteen matches. Additionally, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans have bid adieu to the playoff race.
The upcoming clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 19, Sunday, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, promises to be a nerve-wracking affair. This crucial encounter will dictate the fate and trajectory of both teams in the tournament, shaping their journey in the IPL 2024 season.