RR Playoff Qualification Scenario: How Rajasthan Royals Can Still Finish In Top Four In IPL 2023 Standings

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have a huge task ahead of themselves as they aim to qualify for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League. RR will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last league game of the season with an eye on playoff qualification. Similarly, PBKS will also have a chance to make it to the top four. The Sanju Samson-led side have been consistently in the top four throughout the season but haven’t done themselves any favors, losing 4 out of their last 5 matches.

Read this also | PBKS vs RR, IPL 2023 Dharamsala Weather Forecast: Will rain affect Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals’ playoff chances

What does RR need to do now to qualify for IPL 2023 playoffs?

The road ahead might be tough for RR but the fact remains that they can still make it to the playoffs. Before RR fans get too excited, let us remind them how even luck needs to take its course. Firstly, they need to beat Punjab Kings to grab 14 points at the end of the league stage. But here’s another twist: a mere victory won’t be enough.

Batting first, RR will have to beat Punjab by 11 or more runs. If they are chasing against PBKS, they need to beat them in under 18.5 overs. In this way, they will be able to beat RCB’s Net Run Rate (NRR). RR already has a better NRR than Mumbai Indians (MI).

If RR win against PBKS on Friday night, they will await the result of Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bangalore. RR would hope that SRH beat MI and GT beat RCB in these matches.

What is PBKS vs RR washed out by rain?

If RR lose in Friday’s match, they will be out of the tournament. The same goes for the kings of Punjab. A loss in their last group match will leave them with just 12 points and that won’t be enough to keep them alive in the tournament. In case the game in Dharamsala gets washed out, both the teams will share one point each. However, with just 13 points in the bag at the end of the league stage, both the teams will still be knocked out as MI and RCB are already on 14 while GT have qualified with CSK’s 17 points, LSG 15 each But stuck. The good news for both the teams is that there is less chance of rain in Dharamsala as the weather will be clear for the entire game on Friday.