IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Rajasthan Royals qualify for playoffs after loss against SRH in Match 50?

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) won by a narrow one-run margin against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 50 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024), at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, on Thursday. Initially, SRH struggled to capitalize on the Powerplay and lost the wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Anmolpreet Singh. However, Travis Head and Nitish Reddy played a vital role in resurrecting SRH's innings by scoring 96 runs off 57 deliveries. Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 42 off 19 balls provided the final push, ensuring SRH posted 201 for 3.

After Bhuvneshwar Kumar took two wickets in the first over, Riyan Parag (77) and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (67) built a partnership of 133 runs. However, the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers made a strong comeback and managed to win the match on the last ball. In the final over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar defended 13 runs with Rovman Powell on strike, and SRH won the match by just one run.

RR need sole victory in four games to enter playoffs

The current points table of the IPL 2024 has an interesting aspect. Usually, a total of 16 points would ensure a playoff spot in a regular season. However, due to the stiff competition this year, every team except for the struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore still has a chance to reach 16 points and qualify for the playoffs. Therefore, Rajasthan's next win would be crucial for them to secure a top-four finish and officially enter the playoffs. RR need just one win in 4 games.

Also Read: There's definitely someone at RCB who doesn't know much about cricket: Shane Watson

“We have played some really close games this season, won a couple of them and lost this one. Credit to the SRH bowlers for the way they fought back. The margin of error is very less in the IPL. The game is never done till it is done. It was tough to bat against the new ball and when it got old, it became easier. Credit to both youngsters (Jaiswal and Parag), myself and Jos (Buttler) got out in the powerplay, they played well and got us to that position,” said Samson at the post-match presentation.