IPL playoff scenarios: Bring out your calculator, here’s how RCB or CSK can still qualify

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been the story of the season so far.

After languishing at the bottom of the points table in the first of the Indian Premier League (IPL), RCB has turned the tide and now with five wins on the bounce they are currently placed at No 5 and are still alive for the playoffs race.

RCB now have 12 points from 13 matches and need a win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the last league match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 18 to push their case for a playoff berth.

Here’s how RCB can qualify for the playoffs

The late resurgence after sixth straight loss has propelled Faf du Plessis side to the fifth place. Now they must beat CSK hope that the other results will go their way as well.

Against CSK, RCB need to win the fixture by at least 18 runs to take their net run rate past Ruturaj Gaikwad’s team. For example, if they will score 200 runs, while batting first, they must restrict them to 182 runs. If the target is 201, they’ll have to chase it down with roughly 11 balls remaining. But at the same time the other results featuring SRH and LSG must go their way.

RCB’s NRR is +0.387, while CSK’s is +0.528. A close win will not help RCB’s cause as it will keep them below SRH and CSK, who have a superior NRR.

A win will be enough for CSK

For CSK, a win against RCB will be more than enough to seal their spot in the playoffs. If they will end up losing to RCB, they will have to hope at least one of SRH or LSG stay below 16 points. Even if they will lose they will have to ensure that margin is less and they will be above RCB when it comes to the NRR.

SRH can replace RR at top two

Sunrisers Hyderabad will be playing both of the their last home games at home. If they end up winning both the games, they might finish in top two alongside KKR. However, if they will end up losing, then they could be in trouble. Basically their fate is in their hands.

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