RCB vs CSK IPL 2024: Will Rain Play Spoilsport in Virtual Knockout Game in Bengaluru?

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match 68 of IPL 2024 with playoff hopes of both teams hanging in the balance, but reports suggest the crucial clash in Bengaluru could be affected by rain.

While CSK is already in the top four with 14 points, RCB can topple them if they win by 18 runs or chase down the target in 18.1 overs. However, the home fans may see their hopes being crushed if the match is a complete wash out.

One match has already fallen victim to the summer showers this season as Gujarat Titans (GT) clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was abandoned without a ball being bowled on May 13. Another match was reduced to 16 overs a side, but no other game has been affected by rain so far.

The SubAir System used for drainage at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, however, gives every chance of a game being played if conditions permit whether a full game or a truncated one. So, fans can have some hope of seeing the RCB vs CSK contest.

But will the weather permit any game at all on Saturday (May 18) at the Bengaluru venue, where forecast aggregators predict rain for the best part of the week?

Will rain play spoilsport in RCB vs CSK IPL 2024 match in Bengaluru?

Parts of Bengaluru have been flooded over the week due to persistent rains. The forecast for the matchday also doesn't look promising, but the weather in the city is very unpredictable compared to other parts of the country.

Rain Prediction for May 18 in Bengaluru: There is 71 percent chance of precipitation as per AccuWeather in the city on the RCB vs CSK matchday. In the evening during the playing hours, there is 55 percent chance of precipitation and 33 percent chance of thunderstorms.

The forecast for the evening in the venue area is predicted to see thunderstorms in spots with at least 2 hours of rain. So, there is every chance of rain affecting the RCB vs CSK match in Bengaluru, but a complete wash out is unlikely.

If it does rain as predicted for 2 hours, we could see a truncated game. Even a 5 over per side game may be enough to get a result out of the match. However, if both sides do not get to face a minimum of 5 overs each, we could see the game being abandoned.

What happens if the RCB vs CSK match is washed out?

If the crucial clash is abandoned due to rain, the two teams will share a point each, giving CSK the advantage as they will qualify for the playoffs with 15 points. RCB will end up with 13 points and exit the tournament.

If the match does happen, RCB with Net Run Rate of +0.387 will need to beat CSK (+0.528) by a good margin. A close win will not help RCB's cause as it will keep them below CSK, who have a superior NRR.