Decoding the scenarios for second place finish in IPL 2024
What's the story
We are at the business end of the 2024 Indian Premier League as three of the four playoff berths have been sealed. While Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are certain at finish at the top, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have also cleared the league stage. However, there is a three-way battle among SRH, RR, and CSK for a second-place finish. Let's decode the scenarios.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Teams finishing in the top two will get an additional chance to qualify for the final. The top two sides will tussle in Qualifier 1. While the winner will advance to the summit clash straightaway, the loser will head to Qualifier 2, awaiting the winner of the Eliminator. Teams finishing third and fourth will tussle in the Eliminator.
Points table
Decoding their position in the points table
All the three teams in contention have played 13 games apiece and have a solitary league-stage match remaining. RR are currently second in the table with eight wins and 16 points (NRR: +0.273). SRH are third with seven wins and 15 points (NRR: +0.406). The tally includes a washed-out game. CSK hold the fourth spot with seven wins and 14 points (NRR: +0.528).
RR
RR will qualify with a win
RR's remaining match is against KKR on May 19 in Guwahati. A win by any margin will guarantee them a second-place finish. However, if they lose, they would need SRH and CSK to also suffer defeats in their final league-stage fixtures. As RR will feature in the last league-stage game, they would know the exact equation. Notably, RR have lost their last four games.
SRH
SRH are dependent on KKR
SRH's last league game is against Punjab Kings at home on May 19 (afternoon). Besides winning this fixture, Pat Cummins's troop would need KKR to beat the Royals. SRH's defeat against the Mohali-based team will mean either RR or CSK will play Qualifier 1. Notably, SRH secured a berth in playoffs following the washed out fixture versus Gujarat Titans.
CSK
CSK need multiple games to go in their favor
CSK will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their last fixture (away) on May 18. Besides winning this game, they would need both SRH and RR to lose their final matches. Notably, CSK are way ahead of RR in terms of NRR. Hence, Ruturaj Gaikwad's team will finish higher if the two sides end their league stage campaign with 16 points apiece.
CSK vs RCB
CSK can also be eliminated
Notably, CSK will be eliminated if RCB beat them by 18 or more runs after posting at least 200 runs. The Super Kings will also be eliminated if RCB accomplish the target in 18.1 overs in case they are chasing 201. In both these cases, the Challengers will qualify for the playoffs with 14 points.