Can RCB qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs if their match against GT is rained off?
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are all set to face off against defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in a must-win IPL 2023 game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, May 21.
The highly anticipated contest, though, is under dark clouds as there is a possibility of uninterrupted rain during the game.
As per Skymetweather.com, there is a 30% chance of rain in Bengaluru from 5 pm onwards till 11.59 pm on Sunday.
As per IPL 2023 playoffs are concerned, Bangalore are currently placed fourth in latest IPL 2023 points table with seven wins in 13 games.
Meanwhile, five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) also have similar stats but a negative net run rate (NRR).
If MI win their ongoing game against 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) then rain might play a spoilsport for RCB. This is because a rain-abandoned game offers one point each to the two teams. In such a scenario, Bangalore can get to a maximum of 15 points, which wouldn’t be enough for a fourth-place finish.
However, Faf du Plessis and Co. can easily qualify for knockouts with 15 points if MI lose to SRH in their last group-stage game.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are still alive in the race to the IPL 2023 playoffs. They can finish fourth depending on NRR, if both MI and RCB lose their matches against SRH and Gujarat Titans, respectively.
GT, CSK and LSG qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs; RCB, MI and RR eye fourth-place finish
GT have already qualified for the IPL 2023 playoffs with nine wins in 13 games. They will look to win their last group-stage match against RCB to build momentum ahead of Qualifier 1 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chepauk on Tuesday, May 23.
CSK and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) LSG have also qualified with 17 points each after 14 games. The duo are placed second and third based on their NRR. While the Super Kings beat Delhi Capitals by 77 runs, LSG managed to beat KKR by one run in a thrilling finish.