RCB vs CSK: Brian Lara predicts the winner of the IPL virtual semifinal 2024

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Brian Lara has backed the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to come out on top against CSK in the reverse fixture tomorrow.

Faf du Plessis' RCB will be welcoming the Chennai Super Kings tomorrow at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in what is the team's final IPL 2024 league game. The stakes are higher than ever in this match as both teams have the opportunity to book their tickets for the last 4 rounds with a win tomorrow night.

In the previous South-Indian franchise, CSK had won by 6-wickets in the home game at the MA Chidambaram stadium. However, in the reverse fixture tomorrow, Bengaluru will turn up for their last game with a different mindset and a fiery form which they picked up in their last 5 matches.

Why does Brian Lara think RCB has a better chance to win over CSK?

While speaking to Star Sports ahead of the high-stakes clash, Brian Lara made a bold prediction about the result of the match. Lara backed the Bengaluru-based franchise to come out on top over the 5-time champions. The former West Indies captain feels that RCB have all the makings to deny a play-off spot to the Super Kings and he also stated the reason why.

Brian Lara observed that RCB are looking like a different beast altogether ever since the 2nd half of the season has begun. Lara claimed that since Bengaluru have never won the IPL title, they will be hungry to win the title. And since this match is going to help them reach the playoffs, they won't want to miss out.

Brian Lara feels that the tie against CSK is a very good opportunity for RCB to continue their red-hot form.

With Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Mohammed Siraj performing well and despite the absence of a few players, Bengaluru will manage to beat CSK. All because of the momentum they have currently.

"RCB has never won the IPL and they seem to be hungry to win it. This match will help them reach the playoffs. This is a great opportunity, the team's form is good, there is the hunger to win, and senior players like Du Plessis, Siraj, and Virat are also performing well." - Lara said via Star Sports.

"But I believe RCB's momentum as we have seen till now, will keep taking them forward in this tournament. I have seen them playing live, against CSK, they will definitely win." - Brian Lara concluded.

RCB must pick up a big margin win over CSK

The only way for RCB to qualify for the playoffs is by claiming a big-margin victory over the Chennai Super Kings. Faf du Plessis' side needs to either beat CSK by 18 runs if they are defending in the 2nd innings and in case they are chasing down a total, they must finish the game off by 18.1 overs.

In that case, Bengaluru's net run rate will improve and they will topple not only CSK but also the Delhi Capitals to receive qualification for the last stage.