New Delhi: Sunrisers Hyderabad have ensured their qualification in the IPL 2024 Playoffs dramatically after their last match against Gujarat Titans was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. Eventually, both Hyderabad and Gujarat were awarded 1 point apiece. This also ensured that the Orange army finished in the top 4 on the points table. SRH has currently 15 points from 13 matches with an impressive net run rate of +0.406.
Hyderabad is scheduled to play its last match against Punjab Kings on the 19th of May. Interestingly, this was the first time SRH has managed to secure IPL playoffs qualification since IPL 2020. The Orange army had hit a rough patch in the last three editions, finishing at the bottom half of the points table on three occasions- 2021 (8th out of 8 teams), 2022 (8th out of 10 teams) and 2023 (10th out of 10 teams).
Pat Cummins not just surprised but made them go wow! #OrangeArmy #SunrisersHyderabad pic.twitter.com/03z5qi4mga
— Sunrisers Army (@srhorangearmy) May 17, 2024
SRH’s washed-out result in Hyderabad means that the dream to finish in the top two now remains in the hands of destiny. On the other hand, it puts much more pressure on the other three contenders for the last playoff spot- Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants. However, for Gujarat, it ends in the worst possible nightmare as they find both their last two games washed out due to rain.
We’re back where we belong!!👊#OrangeArmy #SunrisersHyderabad #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/Pc0ppNCQaR
— Orange Army (@srhfans0fficial) May 16, 2024
How does the qualification scenario unfold for CSK, LSG and RCB?
The million-dollar question that arises in the IPL playoff scenario is what is the qualification scenario for LSG, CSK and RCB, especially for CSK and RCB. SRH’s qualification means that fans can be sure of a high-octane clash in the South Indian derby between CSK and RCB.
For RCB, the question right now is not only limited to a win but also about improving their NRR which stands at 0.387 so that they can leapfrog over CSK’s superior NRR. On the other hand, CSK can ensure their IPL playoffs with just a win over RCB. However, CSK also has a chance to go through even if they lose to RCB by a small margin in Bengaluru, given the fact that they have a superior NRR.
SRH #sunrisershyderabad #ipl2024 pic.twitter.com/GCTQDhCFi5
— RVCJ Sports (@RVCJ_Sports) May 16, 2024
Two other teams, DC and LSG also fancy an outside chance to qualify for the playoffs. If RCB defeats CSK and LSG beats MI, all four teams i.e. DC, CSK, RCB and LSG will end up with 14 points. However, due to a negative NRR of -0.787 (LSG) and -0.377 (DC), both teams are weary that a qualification is next to impossible for either of them.
Can SRH finish up top?
SRH can still beat the odds and finish at the top of the table in the second position. Hyderabad faces a depleted Punjab team in the last game of the tournament on Sunday. A win in that game will ensure the team ends with 17 points and in second place. It will also put immense pressure on an out-of-form RR who faces table-toppers KKR.
SRH Fam Into Playoffs💥 #sunrisershyderabad #ipl2024 pic.twitter.com/QmLPRpJCvr
— Hyderabad Hawaaa (@tweetsraww) May 16, 2024
If SRH manages to win their last game and KKR edges past RR, the Orange army will face their greatest nemesis in Qualifier 1. In a season that saw SRH set humungous scores and chase down targets with ease, the question remains do they have one last card in their deck to levitate them to the second position?
