The start of the match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is delayed due to rain. Both teams are set to take on each other in the final league game of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024).
While the four teams for the playoffs are already decided, the game between RR and KKR is still important as it will have a big impact on the standings in the points table. The first and fourth places are already confirmed but the second and third spots are not.
At present, KKR are at the top of the points table while Sunrisers Hyderabad are at the second spot followed by RR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the third and fourth spot respectively. RR and Sunrisers Hyderabad can still swap places in the IPL 2024 points table.
Earlier in the day, SRH leapfrogged RR to the second spot in the points table after beating Punjab Kings by four wickets. SRH finished their league stage with 17 points. On the other hand, RR are at the third spot with 16 points.
Which team will finish second in IPL 2024?
SRH and RR are in contention to finish at the second spot in the points table. While SRH are currently at the second spot, RR can still finish at the second spot. However, their hopes can be dashed if the game against KKR is washed out.
So who will finish at the second spot if the game between RR and KKR is washed out? If the game is indeed washed out, RR will finish the league stage with 17 points, same as SRH. However, they will finish below SRH in the points table due to their net run rate.
SRH have a net run rate of +0.41 while RR have +0.27. So if the game does not take place, RR will finish at the third spot. As a result, SRH will face KKR in the first qualifier while RR will be facing RCB in the Eliminator.