Explained: How RCB Can Still Qualify For IPL 2022 Playoffs

Mayank Agarwal-led Punjab Kings dented hopes in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) quest for the elusive IPL title with a comprehensive 54-run victory on Friday.

The England duo of Jonny Bairstow (66) and Liam Livingstone (70) scored brisk half-centuries to put up a mammoth 209/9 on the board.

PBKS thump RCB by 54 runs to boost their IPL 2022 playoffs chances

Kagiso Rabada (3/21) bowled brilliantly to outwit RCB on a high-scoring pitch. The South African dismissed Kohli, who seemed in great touch with his strokes, to hand RCB early blows in the powerplay.

Glenn Maxwell (35) and Rajat Patidar (26) augured some serious hopes in their 64-run stand in the middle. Patidar’s dismissal in the 11th over paved the way for the Punjab Kings’ win as RCB managed to add just 51 runs with the loss of five wickets in the last nine overs.

The win for Punjab will keep their hopes alive in the IPL 2022 playoffs race but RCB will need to have some rub of the green with a few favorable results going their way to make the cut for the knockout stage.

How can RCB still qualify for IPL 2022 playoffs?

RCB is currently placed in the fourth position with 14 points from 13 matches and a net run rate of -0.323.

First and foremost the Faf du Plessis & co must win their final league stage fixture against Gujarat Titans with a heavy margin to boost their NRR as other teams like PBKS and Delhi Capitals, in contention for the playoffs berth, hold a positive (+) NRR.

If RCB succeeds to win against Gujarat Titans then they will hope both Delhi and Punjab lose one of their remaining two games as they will finish on 14 points on the table.

RCB will also hope Sunrisers Hyderabad loses one of their remaining three matches in the business end of IPL 2022.

If Rajasthan Royals lose both their matches against Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings then it will be RCB’s gain only if they beat Hardik Pandya and his men.

A loss against the Titans will complicate everything for the three-time IPL finalists. RCB will play against Gujarat Titans on May 19 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: RCB vs PBKS: Not A Great Outing For Us Tonight – Faf du Plessis After 54-Run Defeat Against Punjab Kings