IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Sunrisers Hyderabad qualify for playoffs loss against RCB in Match 41?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their second match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday in the match 41 of the Indian Premier League 2024. RCB set a target of 206 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs, and then limited SRH to 171 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the chase, securing a 35-run victory over the hosts. 

Despite losing their only third game of the eight they have played; Sunrisers Hyderabad remain at the 3rd position. On the other hand, the Bengaluru-based franchise ended their six-match losing streak in the tournament. However, even after their second win in the league, RCB remain at the bottom of the leaderboard.

SRH's Playoffs' Qualification Scenario

The 2016 champions have won five out of their eight matches this season, making their record the third-best in the cash-rich league so far. They are just behind Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders. After a stunning performance against Delhi Capitals, the Pat Cummins led side had put themselves in a strong position to secure a playoff spot. With their talented players in every department, SRH will aim to win at least four more matches to finish in the top two spots. It seems unlikely that they will miss out on a playoff spot considering their form thus far.

“The boys have been going really well, it's T20 cricket, you are not going to win every game. Don't dwell on this too much. (High risk, high reward approach with the bat) I think it's our strong suit. It's not going to work every game. One or two games where it hasn't gone our way at the start, we still managed to get a good total. Still think this is the way forward for our boys,” Cummins, the skipper for the losing side, said after the match during the presentation party on air.