Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look for a win as they host the defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium this Saturday, May 18. This crucial match will determine the final spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs. As we gear up for the RCB vs CSK clash, let’s revisit what happened when the two sides met earlier. IPL 2024 season opener.
What happened when these two teams met earlier in IPL 2024 Opener?
In a thrilling IPL 2024 season opener, on March 22, at Chepauk, Chennai Super Kings triumphed over RCB by six wickets in a good start to the season. RCB batted first and posted total of 173/6 in their 20 overs. Captain Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli laid a solid foundation, scoring 35 off 23 balls and 21 off 20 balls, respectively. However, the middle order faltered as Glenn Maxwell and Rajat Patidar fell for ducks, putting the team in a precarious position.
Despite the setback, Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik provided a late surge with a vital 95-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rawat shone brightly, smashing 48 runs off 25 balls, including three towering sixes and four boundaries. Karthik remained unbeaten on 38 off 26 balls, hitting two sixes and three boundaries. Cameron Green also contributed with a steady 18 off 22 balls.
For CSK, Mustafizur Rahman was the standout bowler, taking 4/29, while Deepak Chahar chipped in with a wicket.
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CSK claimed a stellar six-wicket win over RCB
In their chase, CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, reached the target with eight balls to spare. Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, and Daryl Mitchell played crucial roles, scoring 37 off 15 balls, 27 off 19 balls, and 22 off 18 balls, respectively. Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja remained not out on 34 off 28 balls and 25 off 17 balls, respectively, to guide their team to victory.
RCB’s Cameron Green was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets, while Yash Dayal and Karn Sharma took one wicket each.
What happens if RCB vs CSK is washed out?
As the two teams prepare for their next clash, there is a significant threat of rain, which could heavily influence the outcome. If rain disrupts the match, RCB’s playoff hopes could be in jeopardy. Currently, CSK sits in third place with 14 points, while RCB follows closely with 12 points. A rain-affected game that results in a washout would grant each team a point, benefiting CSK’s playoff chances. Even a narrow defeat for CSK against RCB would ensure their qualification.
RCB has a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.387, whereas CSK boasts an NRR of +0.528. This means that even a victory for RCB might not significantly alter the standings. For CSK, a loss would mean they need to minimize the margin to maintain their advantage. For instance, if RCB sets a target of 200 runs, CSK must chase at least 182 to stay in a favourable position. A win would guarantee CSK’s spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs.
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