EXPLAINED: How RCB Can Qualify For IPL 2024 Playoffs After Big Win Vs Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered an important win, as they knocked Punjab Kings out of the IPL 2024 by defeating them by 60 runs at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. RCB posted a huge total of 241 batting first, and then the RCB bowlers did the job as they bowled them out for 181. RCB had a horrific start to the tournament, where they won just 1 out of their first 8 games, and now have staged a remarkable comeback winning 4 matches on the trot. Another win tonight means that RCB are still in the race for the IPL 2024 playoffs.

RCB are currently 7th on the points table with 10 points from 12 games. They still have two games remaining against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings on May 12 and 18 respectively. They need to win both their games in order to get up to 14 points and stay in the race for the playoffs. However, if they lose even one of their remaining two matches, they will be instantly knocked out of the tournament.

They are certain to finish below the Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, who are both tied on 16 points and occupy the top two positions in the points table, even if they reach 14 points.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are also on 14 points and have two games remaining. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals have 12 points each, and at least one of either LSG or DC are sure to reach 14 points since they play each other on May 14. Hence, four teams are certain to reach 14 points at least.

It would be an ideal situation for RCB if CSK lose all their r three remaining games against Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and RCB themselves. However, even if CSK win one of their three remaining games, RCB have to ensure that they have a better net run rate than them.

Even if all of SRH, LSG, CSK, DC and RCB finish on 14 points, then RCB can qualify if their net run rate is superior to any of three of these teams.

The good news for RCB is that their net run rate is +0.22, which is better than both DC and LSG. However, if any two of LSG, DC or CSK finish on 16 points, RCB will be knocked out of the IPL 2024.