Guwahati: In a frustrating repeat for IPL 2024, rain played spoilsport once again, this time washing out the final league match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday, May 19th. Not a single ball was bowled as persistent showers left the Barsapara Cricket Stadium unfit for play.
This wasn’t the only rain-affected match this season. Several encounters throughout the league stage were disrupted or even abandoned due to inclement weather. Fans will likely remember the disappointment of other washouts, impacting the momentum of the tournament.
With the latest washout, both RR and KKR were awarded one point each. This result secured Rajasthan Royals the third position in the final IPL 2024 points table. While the Royals started the season strong, they couldn’t maintain their momentum and fell short of qualifying for the top two spots.
The focus now shifts to the playoffs, with the Qualifier 1 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad scheduled for May 21st in Ahmedabad. Thankfully, the weather forecast for Ahmedabad looks promising, ensuring fans can witness a thrilling encounter to decide the first finalist. However, in case this match is also abandoned, Kolkata will proceed to the finals because of their position on the ranks table. Hyderabad will compete against the winners of the 2nd playoff match in that case.
Rajasthan Royals will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the following match of the playoffs. This match too will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The winner of this match will play against the loser of the first playoff for their berth in the finals. The losers of the second playoff match will be exiting the tournament.
The final match of the IPL 2024 will be played on the coming Sunday. CSK’s home ground, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host the finals.
