RCB vs CSK, Playoff chances: Bengaluru rain threatens to washout May 18 virtual knockout
The highly anticipated clash between RCB and CSK during Match 68 of the Indian Premier League 2024 is likely to get washed out as rain threat looms large over the crucial fixture.
Notably, the match scheduled to be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18 is extremely important for RCB as their playoffs chances are pinned on a good win in the encounter.
However, bad weather is expected to spoil the hopes of millions of RCB fans with heavy rainfall expected in the city throughout the day. According to weather.com, there are high chances of 73% of rain during the daytime on May 18 which is expected to go up to 80% around 6 pm. The incessant rainfall is likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms which further hampers the chances of the game being completed.
The continuous rainfall could well mean the likelihood of a shortened game which can further make things tougher for the home team. According to the IPL rules, the shortest game that can take place is five overs which can begin latest by 10:56 PM.
The only good thing for RCB is the unpredictability of Bengaluru weather and the drainage system of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium which is considered to be the best in the country. Notably, RCBтАЩs last fixture of IPL 2023 against GT was also under rain threat, however, much to their good fortune, a complete 20-over match was conducted despite inclement weather in the lead-up to the game.
RCB on a five-match winning streak
The upcoming fixture against CSK is once again pivotal to the playoffs chances of the late-bloomers who could only win one out of their first eight matches. However, their campaign finally got some momentum with a 35-run victory against the formidable SRH in their ninth fixture. The win started a juggernaut for the three-time runner-ups whoтАЩve now won their last five matches on the trot and have a great chance of finishing in the top four.
The Bengaluru-based franchise need to beat CSK by 18 runs if they score 200 batting first or chase down 201 with 11 balls remaining to surpass their opposition on the net run rate. However, a washout or a loss will knock them out of the tournament. Hence, RCB will hope that their cityтАЩs weather obliges and gives them a fair chance of reviving their sluggish campaign.