Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season's final match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Guwahati was marred by rain, leading to a delayed toss. RR, needing a victory to secure a top-two finish and two chances to reach the final, faced a setback due to the weather conditions.SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) had earlier defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the first game on Sunday, provisionally occupying the second spot in the points table. SRH holds 17 points from 14 matches, while RR has 16 points from 13 outings. In the event of a washout, both RR and KKR would receive a point each.While KKR has already secured the top spot, a draw would not suffice for RR's aspirations of finishing second. RR has also endured a four-game losing streak. SRH's 17 points and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.41 put them ahead of RR's 16 points and +0.27 NRR. A washout would result in RR settling for the third spot.In such a scenario, RR would face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator on Wednesday, while KKR and SRH would battle for a place in the final in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday. In the reverse fixture between RR and KKR, RR emerged victorious by two wickets. The two teams have faced each other 29 times in the IPL, with each team winning 14 matches and one game being abandoned.The top two teams in the points table will compete in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final in Chennai on Sunday. The teams placed third and fourth will play the Eliminator, with the winner facing the losing team of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 in Chennai on Friday. The final will take place at Chepauk on Sunday.

Kolkata Knight Riders Clinch Top Spot in IPL 2024, Securing Playoff BerthKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged as the undisputed leaders of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) after securing the top position on the points table. This marks a historic achievement for the franchise, as it is the first time they have achieved this feat in the league's history.KKR's dominance throughout the league phase has been evident in their impressive record of nine wins and three losses in 13 matches. Their consistent performances have earned them 19 points, establishing them as the team to beat in the competition.The confirmation of KKR's top-of-the-table finish came following Punjab Kings' victory over Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. This result sealed KKR's fate as the leaders after the league stage, as Rajasthan Royals, the only team capable of challenging them, suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.Rajasthan Royals' hopes of securing a top-two finish have taken a severe hit with this loss. However, they have already confirmed their playoff spot and will now focus on securing a favorable position in the playoffs.KKR's final league match against Rajasthan Royals on May 19 in Guwahati will determine the final standings and playoff matchups. This match holds significant importance as it will determine the seeding of the teams in the playoffs.As the league approaches its culmination, KKR and Rajasthan Royals stand as the only two teams to have secured their playoff berths. With the top two teams enjoying the luxury of two chances to qualify for the final on May 26 in Chennai, the battle for supremacy in the IPL playoffs promises to be fiercely contested.