The race for the IPL 2024 playoffs further heated up after Delhi Capitals's emphatic win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 14. Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 19 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi in their last league match. This victory pushed DC to the fifth position in the points table, leaving their faint hopes of making it to the playoff alive. However, they are depended on other team to make it to the playoffs. Meanwhile, for LSG it was a season ending defeat as they sit at seventh spot after DC drubbing. Notably, DC's win came as a blessing in disguise for Rajasthan Royals (RR) as they became the second team to qualify for the playoffs after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Sanju Samson's Royals currently sit at the second spot with 8 wins in 12 matches.
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The battle for third and fourth spot
The fight for the remaining two playoff spots remains intense. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) currently hold the third and fourth positions, respectively. SRH need to win their remaining two matches to guarantee their place in the playoffs. CSK faces a ‘virtual knockout’ game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 18 in Bengaluru. The winner will secure a playoff spot. To surpass CSK's net run rate, RCB need to either win by a margin of 18 runs (if they score 200 runs) or chase down their target within 18.1 overs.
Currently in sixth position, RCB have kept their playoff hopes alive with five consecutive victories. Their latest win against DC came by a convincing margin of 47 runs.
RR have their sights set on top 2 finish
Already secured a playoff spot, RR set their sights on securing a top-two finish when they take on Punjab Kings on May 15. This would give them a crucial advantage with two opportunities to reach the finals. Despite being out of playoff contention, PBKS will be looking to end the season on a positive note. Currently at the bottom of the table, they'll be aiming to secure a win against RR in Guwahati.
Here's how the points table looks like after DC vs LSG clash:
Position | Team | Mat | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
1. | Kolkata Knight Riders (Q) | 13 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 19 | +1.428 |
2. | Rajasthan Royals (Q) | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 16 | +0.349 |
3. | Chennai Super Kings | 13 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 14 | +0.528 |
4. | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 14 | +0.406 |
5. | Delhi Capitals | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | -0.377 |
6. | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | +0.387 |
7. | Lucknow Super Giants | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | -0.787 |
8. | Gujarat Titans (E) | 13 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 11 | -1.063 |
9. | Mumbai Indians (E) | 13 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 8 | -0.271 |
10. | Punjab Kings (E) | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
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