RCB vs CSK, IPL 2024: Rain forecast for Bengaluru on May 18 could dampen RCB's playoff hopes

RCB vs CSK, IPL 2024: Rain forecast for Bengaluru on May 18 could dampen RCB's playoffs hopes

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to take on its southern rival Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 18 for a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. However, RCB fans could be in tears as heavy rain is predicted in the city if weather department’s predictions are to be believed.

In its weather update for May 18, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said humidity is likely to be on the higher side and there is a 90 percent chance of rainfall in the evening. The weather department said Bengaluru could witness “partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers” between May 14 and May 17 and “partly cloudy sky with possibility of rain or thunderstorm” between May 18 and 20.

Watch: Rajasthan Royals Vs Punjab Kings-Head To Head Stats

In its forecast, the weather agency said the southwest monsoon would most likely advance towards Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to some regions over Bay of Bengal on May 19.

So, who will qualify if it rains in Bengaluru?

The qualifying match for the IPL 2024 playoffs is a virtual knockout. RCB, who lost 7 out of the first 8 matches in the league, showed resilience to return to form just in time with a 100 percent record in the last 5 matches. The team is currently sitting at the sixth position with 12 points and it will need to win its match against Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side by at least 18 runs or more, or chase the target within 18.1 overs.

In the case of a washout due to rains, CSK will qualify as both teams will earn a point each, which will take Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side to 15 points on the table, two more than RCB.

Also read: Delhi Capitals beat Lucknow Super Giants by 19 runs

So far, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have qualified for the playoffs. The last spot for the playoffs will be fought between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which have two matches left against Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings. If SRH win its last two remaining games, it could move up to the second spot and seal its place in the playoffs.