IPL 2024 Playoffs Scenario: Will rain disrupt Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings match? Know RCB vs CSK match weather forecast

IPL 2024 Playoffs Scenario: After yesterday's match (May 16) got abandoned due to rain, Sunrisers Hyderbad became the third team to qualify for the top four, along with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. Now, it has come down to the wire, as just one spot remains for the playoff contingent.

As it stands, tomorrow's match (May 18) between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings will be the decider for the final playoff spot that will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

However, there is another factor that can determine the outcome and is expected to act as a spoilsport in such a crucial game of the season. According to the weather forecast on May 18, the city of Bengaluru can foresee heavy rainfall from late afternoon to midnight on Saturday, which is expected to partially disrupt the game.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) also predicted that the city could witness moderate to heavy rainfall on May 18 between 7 PM and 10:30 PM, which is during the match hours. Additionally, IMD had already issued an orange alert in the city. 

However, as the cut-off time to call off the match is late, fans can still hope for a very short encounter between the two teams, considering the efficiency of the drainage system in the stadium.

IPL 2024 playoff scenario: How can Royal Challengers Bengaluru qualify?

RCB is currently at 12 points with a net run rate (NRR) of +0.387. For them, the task is clear; they just have to win the match by beating CSK by 18 runs or chasing the target in 18.1 overs, assuming a score of 200 is made or given as a target. However, if rain plays spoilsport, then it would surely wash away their playoff chances, and if the game gets reduced, it would make their task tougher as they have to win by the same margins to go past CSK's NRR. 

IPL 2024 playoff scenario: How can Chennai Super Kings qualify?

CSK is in a better position compared to RCB, with 14 points and an NRR of +0.528. They just need one point to qualify for the playoffs, which means a washed-out match will get them through. However, a win can increase their chances of finishing in the top 2 if RR loses and SRH gets just one point in their final game.