The stage is set for the high-octane IPL 2024 playoffs. All four teams are locked and loaded, ready to battle for the coveted IPL title. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were the first to secure their playoff berth, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. The early frontrunners, Rajasthan Royals (RR), also booked their spot but have hit a slight snag, losing their last few matches. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) edged into the playoffs after their rain-affected clash with Gujarat Titans was awarded a point each. Finally, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) staged a dramatic comeback on May 18, snatching the final playoff spot from the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). And the double header between SRH and PBKS followed by RR versus KKR clash cleared the picture as to who will lock horns with whom in the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator. While SRH defeated PBKS by four wickets to claim second spot in the points table with 17 points in 14 matches, the RR vs KKR match got washed out, giving each team a point each. With this KKR continued to top the chart with 20 points while RR slipped to third spot with 17 points but with inferior NRR as compared to SRH. Now let's have a look at IPL 2024's playoff schedule which will eventually decide the IPL 2024 champions.
IPL 2024 playoffs' full schedule
The battle for the IPL 2024 title heats up as the playoff schedule is locked and loaded. Here's a breakdown of the upcoming matches:
Qualifier 1 (May 21st, 7:30 PM IST, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad)
This high-stakes clash features two powerhouse teams – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), boasting two IPL titles, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), champions in 2016. Both sides will be vying for a direct spot in the final.
Eliminator (May 22nd, 7:30 PM IST, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad)
The pressure mounts in the Eliminator, where the third and fourth-placed teams fight for survival. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), hungry for their first IPL title, will face off against Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by the dynamic Sanju Samson. Only one team will advance, leaving the other's title dreams shattered.
Qualifier 2 (May 24th, 7:30 PM IST, Chepauk Stadium, Chennai)
The loser of Qualifier 1 gets a lifeline in Qualifier 2. Here, either KKR or SRH will battle the winner of the Eliminator (RCB or RR) for a shot at the final. The winner will progress to the ultimate challenge, while the defeated team's journey ends.
IPL 2024 Final (May 26th, 7:30 PM IST, Chepauk Stadium, Chennai)
The grand finale pits the winner of Qualifier 1 against the winner of Qualifier 2. Among the contenders, only RCB hasn't tasted IPL glory yet. This match will be their fourth attempt at the title, and they'll be determined to rewrite history on the biggest stage.
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