Royal Challengers Bangalore’s playoff hopes were boosted significantly on Thursday when Virat Kohli’s century helped them defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Chasing a target of 187 runs, RCB reached 187/2 in 19.2 overs, with Virat Kohli smashing a century. The veteran batter hit 100 runs off 63 deliveries and was well supported by opening partner and captain Faf du Plessis, who hit 71 off 47 deliveries.
SRH initially posted 186/5 in 20 overs, thanks to Heinrich Klaasen’s 104-run knock off 51 balls. Meanwhile, Michael Bracewell took two wickets for the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling attack. With 14 points in 13 matches, they moved into fourth place in the IPL 2023 points table, level with Mumbai Indians, who were previously in fourth place. MI are now fifth in the league after RCB’s win, with 14 points from 13 games and a lower net run rate of -0.128 compared to RCB’s +0.180.
Gujarat Titans, the defending champions, have already qualified for the playoffs and are in first place with 18 points from 13 games. With 15 points each, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants are second and third. CSK will play Delhi Capitals in their final league game, while LSG will play Kolkata Knight Riders. CSK and LSG will advance to the playoffs if they win. However, a loss will make things interesting because RCB and MI both have a chance to finish with 16 points.
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Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings all have 12 points. PBKS will face RR in their final match, while KKR will face LSG. Each team will want to win to improve their chances of qualifying, but it will also depend on other results going their way, with net run rate being a big factor.
PBKS will face RR in Match 66 on Friday, which is also both teams’ final league fixture, and a win will be required for both. Even if you win, your qualification will be contingent on other results and your net run rate.