The league stage of IPL 2024, which commenced on March 22, wrapped up on Sunday, May 19. In the daytime match of the double-header, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The evening clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati was unfortunately abandoned due to rain after the toss, preventing any play from taking place.
Despite four teams having already secured their spots in the IPL 2024 playoffs prior to Sunday’s matches, the battle for the second spot between SRH and RR remained highly contested.
Ultimately, Sunrisers Hyderabad clinched second place with their victory over Punjab Kings, finishing the league stage with 17 points. RR also finished with 17 points but was relegated to third place due to their lower net run rate.
IPL 2024 Playoffs: Who will meet whom?
Following the conclusion of the league stage, Kolkata Knight Riders claimed the top position in the IPL 2024 points table with 20 points and a net run rate of +1.428. Sunrisers Hyderabad secured second place with 17 points and a net run rate of +0.414. Rajasthan Royals finished third, also with 17 points but with a net run rate of +0.273.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who secured a remarkable 27-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, took fourth place with 14 points and a net run rate of +0.459.
According to the IPL 2024 format, the teams ranked first (KKR) and second (SRH) will face off in Qualifier 1, scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 21. The third and fourth-placed teams, RR and RCB, will clash in the Eliminator at the same venue on May 22.
The winner of Qualifier 1 will advance directly to the final, while the loser will compete against the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 24. The winner of Qualifier 2 will then meet the winner of Qualifier 1 in the grand final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 26.
IPL 2024 playoffs line-up:
- May 21: Qualifier 1, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (7:30 PM IST)
- May 22: Eliminator, Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (7:30 PM IST)
- May 24: Qualifier 2, Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (7:30 PM IST)
- May 26: Final, Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (7:30 PM IST)
