As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season progresses into its midway point, the excitement builds with the onset of the enthralling phase of reverse fixtures starting tomorrow. Sunday (April 21) will mark the beginning of this captivating phase with a formidable Match 36 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The excitement of reverse fixtures
With the tournament nearing its midpoint, some teams have already tasted victory, elevating themselves to higher positions in the points table, while others continue to grapple with challenges, finding themselves at the bottom. However, the reverse fixtures present an opportunity for all ten teams to give their final push and kick their campaign into fifth gear as they set their sights on the playoffs.
It’s a crucial juncture where every run scored, every wicket taken, and every victory secured will play a pivotal role in determining a team’s fate. With the stakes higher than ever, the IPL enters a thrilling phase where teams will leave no stone unturned in their quest for success, adding to the drama and excitement that defines this prestigious tournament.
Also READ: IPL 2024, Team matchup: Meeting once and twice in the league stage
Here’s a glimpse of the IPL 2024 points table ahead of the reverse fixtures:
1. Rajasthan Royals:
Matches Played: 7
Wins: 6
Losses: 1
NRR: 0.677
Points: 12
Recent Form: W, W, L, W, W
Rajasthan Royals (RR) (Image Source: Twitter)
Sitting at the top of the IPL 2024 points table, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been a force to be reckoned with, winning 6 out of their 7 matches. Their exceptional performance, highlighted by a commendable net run rate of +0.677, reflects their dominance in the tournament so far. With a balanced combination of solid batting and disciplined bowling, the Royals have showcased their ability to deliver under pressure consistently.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Matches Played: 7
Wins: 5
Losses: 2
NRR: 0.914
Points: 10
Recent Form: W,W, W, W, L
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) (Image Source: Twitter)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have displayed consistent performances in the IPL 2024 season, winning 5 out of 7 matches and occupying the second position in the points table. With a commendable net run rate of +0.914, they have shown resilience and determination in crucial moments. The Sunrisers’ balanced team composition and strategic approach have contributed to their success so far.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders:
Matches Played: 6
Wins: 4
Losses: 2
NRR: 1.399
Points: 10
Recent Form: L, W, L, W, W
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) (Image Source: Twitter)
KKR have had a strong start to their IPL 2024 campaign, securing 4 wins out of 6 matches. With an impressive net run rate of +1.399, they currently hold the third position in the points table. Led by a cohesive team effort, the Knight Riders have displayed resilience and determination, emerging victorious in crucial encounters and establishing themselves as contenders for the title.
4. Chennai Super Kings:
Matches Played: 7
Wins: 4
Losses: 3
NRR: 0.529
Points: 8
Recent Form: L, W, W, L, L
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) (Image Source: Twitter)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a decent run in the IPL 2024 season, winning 4 out of 7 matches and securing the fourth position in the points table. Despite facing some challenges, they have maintained a positive net run rate of +0.529, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. With experienced players leading the charge, the Super Kings remain a formidable force in the tournament.
5. Lucknow Super Giants:
Matches Played: 7
Wins: 4
Losses: 3
NRR: 0.123
Points: 8
Recent Form: W, L, L, W, W
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) (Image Source: Twitter)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have made a solid impression in their debut IPL season, securing 4 wins out of 7 matches and holding the fifth position in the points table. Despite facing some challenges, they have maintained a respectable net run rate of +0.123, reflecting their competitive spirit and ability to adapt to different situations. With talented players in their lineup, the Super Giants remain a team to watch out for as the tournament progresses.
6. Mumbai Indians:
Matches Played: 7
Wins: 3
Losses: 4
NRR: -0.133
Points: 6
Recent Form: W, L, W, W, L
Mumbai Indians (MI) (Image Source: Twitter)
Mumbai Indians (MI) have faced ups and downs in the IPL 2024 season, winning 3 out of 7 matches and currently sitting at the sixth position in the points table. Despite some inconsistency, they have shown resilience and determination in key moments. With a net run rate of -0.133, the Mumbai Indians will look to regroup and deliver strong performances in the upcoming matches to climb up the standings.
7. Delhi Capitals:
Matches Played: 8
Wins: 3
Losses: 5
NRR: -0.477
Points: 6
Recent Form: L, W, W, L, L
Delhi Capitals (DC) (Image Source: Twitter)
Delhi Capitals (DC) have had a mixed run in the IPL 2024 season, winning 3 out of 8 matches and currently occupying the seventh position in the points table. Despite facing setbacks, they have shown glimpses of their potential with victories against strong opponents. With a net run rate of -0.074, the Capitals will look to build on their strengths and improve their consistency as they aim for a higher position in the standings.
8. Gujarat Titans:
Matches Played: 7
Wins: 3
Losses: 4
NRR: -1.303
Points: 4
Recent Form: L, W, L, L, W
Gujarat Titans (GT) (Image Source: Twitter)
Gujarat Titans (GT) have had a challenging IPL 2024 campaign, winning 3 out of 7 matches and currently placed eighth in the points table. With a net run rate of -1.303, they have struggled to find momentum in the tournament. Nevertheless, with a talented squad at their disposal, the Titans will aim to bounce back strongly and turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches.
9. Punjab Kings:
Matches Played: 7
Wins: 2
Losses: 5
NRR: -0.251
Points: 4
Recent Form: L, L, L, W, L
Punjab Kings (PBKS) (Image Source: Twitter)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have faced difficulties in the IPL 2024 season, securing 2 wins out of 7 matches and currently positioned ninth in the points table. With a net run rate of -0.251, they have encountered challenges but remain determined to improve their performance in the upcoming matches. With a blend of experienced players and exciting youngsters, the Punjab Kings will look to turn the tide in their favor as they strive for better results.
10. Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Matches Played: 7
Wins: 1
Losses: 6
NRR: -1.185
Points: 2
Recent Form: L, L, L, L, L
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) (Image Source: Twitter)
RCB have had a tough IPL 2024 season so far, securing only 1 win out of 7 matches and currently placed at the bottom of the points table. With a net run rate of -1.185, they have faced challenges in various departments of the game. Nonetheless, with a talented lineup, the Royal Challengers will look to regroup and put up stronger performances in the upcoming matches to improve their position in the standings.
Playoffs scenario:
As the IPL 2024 season progresses, the playoff scenario begins to take shape, with Rajasthan, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad currently occupying the coveted top four positions. With the playoff race heating up, these teams understand the significance of securing at least 14 points to stand a chance of making it to the playoffs. This equates to winning a minimum of seven matches in total, a milestone that has historically been sufficient for qualification.
However, the battle for playoff berths could intensify, especially if other teams remain in contention, potentially leading to a showdown based on Net Run Rate (NRR). Given the competitive nature of the league, every run scored and wicket taken could prove crucial in determining a team’s fate.
In the playoffs, the top two teams will face off in the first Qualifier, where the victor will secure a direct entry into the final, scheduled for May 26. Meanwhile, the Eliminator will see the teams placed third and fourth in the standings locking horns for a chance to stay alive in the tournament. The winner of the Eliminator will then face the losing team from the first Qualifier in a high-stakes clash, with the ultimate prize being a place in the final showdown.
Also READ: The 10 Most Sought-After and Expensive IPL 2024 Players
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