RCB Vs CSK IPL 2024: Will Rain Affect The Crucial Match In Bengaluru?

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

CSK is already in the top four with 14 points, while RCB can surpass them if they win by 18 runs or chase down the target in 18.1 overs. However, home fans may see their hopes dashed if the match is completely washed out.

One match has already been affected by summer showers this season. The 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 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.

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 a 71 percent chance of precipitation as per AccuWeather in the city on the RCB vs CSK matchday. In the evening during playing hours, there is a 55 percent chance of precipitation and a 33 percent chance of thunderstorms.

The forecast for the evening in the venue area predicts thunderstorms in spots with at least two hours of rain. So, there is every chance of rain affecting the RCB vs CSK match in Bengaluru, but a complete washout is unlikely.

If it does rain as predicted for two hours, we could see a truncated game. Even a five-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 five 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 an 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 a Net Run Rate (NRR) 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.