Can RCB qualify for IPL 2024 playoffs if today’s match vs CSK is washed out?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are scheduled to take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match number 68 of IPL 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18. RCB seemed down and out after losing six matches in a row. However, they picked themselves up admirably and put together a five-match winning streak to stay alive in the playoffs race.

To seal a berth in the top-four, Royal Challengers Bengaluru not only need to beat Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday but also need to surpass the defending champions on net run rate.

In case the match is washed out due to rain, RCB will be knocked out, while CSK will progress to the IPL 2024 playoffs. In such a scenario, Chennai will finish on 15 points and Bengaluru on 13.

Heading into the game, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a net run rate of +0.387, while Chennai Super Kings are at +0.528. To go past Chennai's run rate, Bengaluru need to beat their opponents by at least 18 runs if they score 200 batting first. In case they are chasing, the hosts need to cross the target with 11 (approximately) or more balls to spare.

In case of a shortened game, things will get tougher for RCB. In case of a five-over match, they need to restrict CSK to 57 or less if they score 75 batting first. If they are chasing, they need to gun down the target in 3.1 overs to go past Chennai's net run rate.

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What are the chances of rain in today's RCB vs CSK IPL 2024 match?

The weather forecast in Bengaluru for today's IPL 2024 knockout match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings is not too great.

According to AccuWeather, while the temperature in the evening in Bengaluru will be around 25 degree Celsius, there are chances of a thunderstorm as well. The cloud cover is predicted to be 100 percent, while the probability of precipitation is 47 percent.

Looking at the weather prediction for the night, the temperature in expected to be in the range of 22 degree Celsius. The forecast says that it will be cloudy with chances of a thunderstorm and a shower. The probability of thunderstorms for this period is 37 percent and probability of precipitation 62 percent.

Fans of both franchises will hope that the rain gods stay away, considering that a blockbuster clash could be in store at the Chinnaswamy.