Cricket

Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious in a thrilling Eliminator match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, securing a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 2. After restricting RCB to 172/8, RR's batters faced a mid-innings slump, allowing RCB to regain momentum. However, the 2008 champions rallied to secure a four-wicket win with an over to spare.Chasing 173, RR's innings was anchored by Riyan Parag (36 off 26), who showcased resilience in a challenging situation. Shimron Hetmyer (26 off 14) also played a crucial role, while Rovman Powell (16 not out) provided the finishing touches in a tense finish.Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal (45 off 30) provided RR with a solid start, hitting four fours in the third over. However, Lockie Ferguson dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore (20) to give RCB their first breakthrough. Jaiswal's innings was cut short due to the extreme heat, and Karn Sharma dealt a further blow by stumping Sanju Samson (17).RCB continued to make inroads, with Dhruv Jurel (8) being run out after a brilliant effort from Virat Kohli and Cameron Green. RR's pressure intensified in the 15th over, but Hetmyer and Parag responded with a six each and a four to collect 17 runs.Rajasthan Royals' bowling effort was equally impressive. Trent Boult (4-0-16-1) produced an economical opening spell, while Ravichandran Ashwin (4-0-19-2) claimed the wickets of Green and Glenn Maxwell on consecutive deliveries. Avesh Khan (3/44) also contributed with three wickets.RR's fielders provided excellent support, particularly Rovman Powell, who took two stunning catches to halt RCB's progress.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs race has taken a decisive turn with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) becoming the third team to secure a spot in the top four. The Pat Cummins-led side reached 15 points in 13 games after their match against Gujarat Titans was washed out due to rain in Hyderabad.With three spots already sealed, the battle for the final playoff berth intensifies among Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Out of the three, CSK and RCB are the frontrunners, while LSG's chances are slim.Chennai Super Kings (CSK)CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, is in a strong position to grab the fourth playoff spot. A win against RCB on Saturday will guarantee their qualification. If Rajasthan Royals (RR) and SRH lose their last matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) respectively, CSK could even finish in the top two with a superior Net Run Rate (NRR).However, CSK can also advance even if they lose to RCB. To do so, they must ensure that the losing margin is not significant, allowing their NRR to remain better than RCB's.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)RCB, captained by Faf du Plessis, needs to win their last game against CSK to have a chance at the final playoff spot. Moreover, they must win by a substantial margin to ensure their run-rate remains above CSK's.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)LSG, led by KL Rahul, faces an improbable scenario. Their only hope of qualifying is to win their last match against Mumbai Indians (MI) by a massive margin. Additionally, RCB must beat CSK but not by a significant margin. This would allow LSG to potentially improve their NRR and finish above RCB and CSK. However, this scenario is highly unlikely.Delhi Capitals (DC)DC, with 14 points in 14 matches, is out of the playoff race as they have no more matches left. Their NRR of -0.377 is also not favorable.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, face a crucial challenge as they aim to secure a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. Currently placed third in the points table with 14 points, CSK's fate rests in their own hands. However, their upcoming match against a resurgent Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side, who have won five consecutive games, poses a significant hurdle.A victory against RCB would guarantee CSK's progression to the playoffs. However, a defeat could potentially jeopardize their chances. If CSK loses by 18 runs or more, or concedes defeat with 11 balls remaining while chasing a target of 201 runs, RCB would overtake them in the standings.In such a scenario, CSK's fate would depend on the outcome of Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) remaining matches. If SRH loses both their games, CSK would qualify for the playoffs based on a superior Net Run Rate (NRR). However, if SRH wins even one of their matches, CSK would be eliminated.CSK's path to the playoffs is further complicated by the presence of other contenders, including Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). While DC and LSG remain in mathematical contention, the playoffs battle is primarily between SRH, CSK, and RCB.To avoid missing out on a playoff spot, CSK must avoid a heavy defeat against RCB and hope that SRH loses both their remaining matches. If these conditions are met, CSK will secure a top-four finish and advance to the next stage of the tournament.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs race is heating up, with five teams vying for the remaining two spots. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have already secured their berths, leaving Chennai Super Kings, SunRisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in contention.However, the battle is effectively between three teams, as Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants trail behind in net run rate. LSG's hopes took a significant blow with their loss to Delhi Capitals, making their playoff qualification highly unlikely.Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized Lucknow's decision to bowl first after winning the toss in Delhi. "They didn't go with any numbers. 200 has not been chased here at all," Kaif said. "The biggest mistake was the decision at the toss... There will be a question mark on the bowling as well."Aakash Chopra echoed Kaif's sentiments, questioning Lucknow's batting approach. "Quinton de Kock's bat is not striking the ball, and KL Rahul got out for five," Chopra said. "What are you doing?"Rahul's poor form has been a concern, and he was omitted from India's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Chennai Super Kings, SunRisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are now the frontrunners for the remaining playoff spots. CSK has a slight edge in net run rate, but SRH and RCB have been in impressive form lately.The final round of matches will determine the fate of the playoff contenders. CSK faces Punjab Kings, SRH takes on Gujarat Titans, and RCB battles Delhi Capitals. The teams will be desperate to secure victories and boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Delhi Capitals Rue Lack of Depth in Batting After Defeat to Royal Challengers BengaluruIn the wake of Delhi Capitals' disappointing loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League 2024, assistant coach Pravin Amre has highlighted the team's lack of depth in batting, particularly the absence of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.Amre acknowledged that Pant's absence due to suspension has significantly impacted the team's batting lineup. "We missed him because of the rule. It affected our batting line up and sure tomorrow, he will be there, and we will finish well," Amre said.The 55-year-old coach also expressed surprise at the high-scoring nature of the tournament, with teams amassing 500 runs in a single T20 match. "I feel IPL's governing body will look into it. It is also important to know that for the crowd it was surprising to see teams scoring 500 runs in a T20 match. That's happened in IPL. So, the committee will decide what is better for IPL," Amre added.In the match against RCB, Delhi found themselves in trouble at 30/4 before a 56-run partnership between Shai Hope and stand-in captain Axar Patel brought them back into the game. However, RCB's bowlers, led by Yash Dayal and Lockie Ferguson, restricted DC to 140 runs in 19.1 overs, securing a 47-run victory.Amre believes that Pant's return in the next match will provide a much-needed boost to the team's batting. "The way he is playing this year he is the highest run gutter during the year but rules are rules. We missed him because of the rule. It affected our batting line up and sure tomorrow, he will be there, and we will finish well," Amre said.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has reached a thrilling stage, with the mid-table battle intensifying after Gujarat Titans' victory over Chennai Super Kings. With only one team, Kolkata Knight Riders, securing a playoff berth, the remaining nine teams are vying for the remaining three spots.Gujarat Titans' morale-boosting win has opened up the tournament, with Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gujarat Titans still in contention for the top four. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals are currently tied on 12 points, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have kept their hopes alive with four consecutive wins.Chennai Super Kings:Defending champions Chennai Super Kings are in a comfortable position, sitting fourth on the points table with a superior net run rate (+0.491). They face Rajasthan Royals at home on Sunday and play their final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18.If CSK wins both their remaining games, they will likely qualify for the playoffs due to their superior NRR. However, if they win only one, they will need the winner of the Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants game to lose their other fixture. If CSK loses both games, they will be eliminated from the tournament.Delhi Capitals:Delhi Capitals are currently fifth on the standings with 12 points and a NRR of (-0.316). They face Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants in their remaining two games.To qualify directly, DC must win both their games and hope that CSK loses at least one of their remaining games. If they tie with CSK at 16 points, NRR will come into play, which currently favors CSK. If Delhi wins one game and gets stuck at 14 points, they will hope CSK loses both their matches and LSG loses at least one to squeeze into the playoffs.Royal Challengers Bengaluru:Royal Challengers Bengaluru have an outside shot at a playoff berth. They can reach a maximum of 14 points if they win their remaining two games. However, they need other results to go their way to finish in the top four.If RCB wins their last two matches and reaches 14 points, they would need CSK to lose against RR, DC to go down against LSG, LSG to suffer defeat against MI, and GT to lose at least one of their remaining games. With this, RCB and LSG would be tied at 14 points, and the team with the superior NRR will go through.

Delhi Capitals Aim to Maintain Momentum Against Royal Challengers BengaluruWith the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs looming, Delhi Capitals will face a crucial test against the in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their penultimate league stage match on Sunday. The Capitals, who secured a vital victory in their previous outing, will be determined to keep their momentum going and secure a top-four finish.However, Delhi will be without their skipper Rishabh Pant, who has been suspended for slow over rate. In Pant's absence, Axar Patel will lead the team, bringing his experience and leadership qualities to the fore.Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in Patel's ability to lead the team. "He's been Vice-Captain at this franchise for the last couple of seasons. He's a very experienced IPL player, an experienced international player, a sensible guy, understands the game really well," Ponting said.Ponting acknowledged the challenge posed by RCB, who have won their last four matches. However, he emphasized the Capitals' impressive form in recent games. "We've won five of our last seven, and we've made some huge scores along the way. There are no excuses from us tomorrow, regardless of Pant not being in the lineup," he said.Regarding team selection, Ponting provided an update on David Warner's fitness. "David Warner missed the last game, he got that nasty knock on his hand about a month ago now and hasn't played a game since. He trained really strongly yesterday, he'll be out hitting balls in the middle now, so he'll be doing some more batting today. Hopefully, he's available for selection for tomorrow," Ponting said.The Delhi Capitals will be eager to put in a strong performance against RCB and secure a crucial victory that could boost their chances of reaching the playoffs. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams.

Punjab Kings' Playoff Hopes Dwindle After Disastrous Start Against Royal Challengers BengaluruIn a crucial encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Punjab Kings' playoff aspirations took a significant blow as they faced a disappointing start against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Opting to field first, Punjab Kings' fielding woes were evident from the outset. They dropped three vital catches in the opening five overs, including two off Virat Kohli. Kohli's initial reprieve came on 0 when Ashutosh Singh failed to hold onto a skied ball at point. He was offered another chance on 10 when Rilee Rossouw couldn't hold onto a powerful shot at short cover.Rajat Patidar was also dropped on 0 in the fifth over, as Harshal Patel let slip a straightforward catch at deep backward square leg. These fielding lapses proved costly as both Kohli and Patidar went on to play significant roles in RCB's innings.The match is a must-win for both teams to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The loser will become the second team eliminated after Mumbai Indians. It is also the final league game of the season in Dharamsala and the last home game for the Punjab Kings.Punjab Kings' fielding woes have been a recurring theme throughout the season. They have dropped the most catches among all teams in the tournament, which has contributed to their struggles.RCB, on the other hand, have been in impressive form in recent matches. They have won their last three games and will be confident of extending their winning streak against a struggling Punjab Kings side.

With over half of the IPL 2024 season completed, the playoff race remains wide open, with no team yet securing a berth and no team eliminated. However, the chances of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) reaching the postseason are dwindling.MI's playoff hopes took a significant blow after their 24-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. The five-time champions have now lost eight of their 11 matches and are on the verge of elimination. To qualify, MI must win all their remaining three games and hope for a series of favorable results from other teams.RCB's playoff chances are also hanging by a thread. The team is currently at the bottom of the standings with only three wins from 10 games. However, they have shown signs of improvement in recent matches, winning two consecutive away games against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans.For RCB to qualify, they must win their remaining four fixtures and hope that the teams above them in the standings lose several games. The team's chances will be boosted if the winner of the upcoming SRH vs. LSG clash wins all their remaining matches, while the loser loses all three.The remaining fixtures for MI and RCB are as follows:MI:* May 6: vs SRH, Wankhede Stadium* May 11: vs KKR, Eden Gardens* May 17: vs LSG, Wankhede StadiumRCB:* May 4: vs GT, Bengaluru* May 9: vs PBKS, Dharamsala* May 12: vs DC, Bengaluru* May 18: vs CSK, BengaluruWhile both MI and RCB have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the playoffs, their chances are slim. They will need to win all their remaining games and hope for a series of favorable results from other teams.