PBKS vs RCB. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locked horns in a must-win match to slender their IPL 2024 qualification hopes alive. In a high-scoring encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, RCB put up a dominant display to win by 60 runs and force PBKS to pack their bags along with Mumbai Indians.
Having lost the toss and asked to bat first, RCB got off to a shaky start with debutant pace bowler Vidhwath Kaverappa shining with the new ball. He drew first blood by dismissing rival skipper Faf du Plessis and picked up his second wicket in the form of Will Jacks. Had the PBKS fielders not come up with slippery hands, he could have claimed a couple of more wickets in the powerplay.
Virat Kohli, who was dropped for a duck in the very first over, stitched a crucial partnership with Rajat Patidar and brought RCB back into the game. Kohli’s scintillating 92, Rajath Patidar’s brilliant half-century knock and Cameron Green’s impactful cameo helped RCB post a 240+ total. Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw gave them a flying start in reply but the RCB bowlers put their team in command with timely strikes.
Also Check: Who is Vishwath Kaverrappa?
Not an easy road for RCB, but there is definitely chance
With Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) beating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in match 57, the minimum cut-off point for playoff qualification is now 14. RCB currently have 10 points after their latest 60-run win against PBKS and they have two more matches left to reach 14.
RCB’s next two matches are against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They need to win both of those games to stay in the hunt for the next round, but qualification is still far from assured, thanks to a dreadful start to the campaign.
Although RCB would have 14 points in their account (if they win their remaining matches), they need the results of other teams to go their way to make it to the playoffs as the net run rate (NRR) will play a big role. Considering the current situation, RCB can aim for the fourth playoff spot and can hope for CSK to lose at least two of their matches.
Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table
The defending champions currently have 12 points and two defeats in the remaining three matches would mean they would end up with 14 points and if RCB can oust them based on NRR, they could qualify for the playoffs.