The first knockout match of the IPL 2024 playoffs is set to take place in Ahmedabad. The Rajasthan Royals, after a stellar first half of the season, will look to halt their recent decline and end the winning streak of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru when the two teams face off in the IPL 2024 Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday, 22 May.
The Rajasthan Royals, who had a strong start to the season, finished third in the standings with 17 points. Meanwhile, the Bengaluru-based franchise achieved the unthinkable by securing the fourth spot after an impressive six-match winning streak.
The upcoming game will be the 32nd encounter between these two popular teams in the IPL and their third meeting in Ahmedabad.
In the 31 IPL meetings between RCB and RR since 2008, RCB holds a slight advantage with 15 wins, while RR has won 13 times. Three matches have ended with no result.
In their last six meetings, the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are evenly matched at 3-3, with the Royals winning the only league stage match earlier this season. Their playoff record is also tied at 1-1, with RR winning Qualifier 2 in 2022 and RCB winning the Eliminator in 2015. These two have played in Ahmedabad twice, with both teams managing to win one game each.
The Royals have struggled in recent games, losing four matches on the bounce, and need to regain their form for this all-important match. In contrast, RCB has turned their season around with a six-game winning streak, with key players finding their form at the right time.
With high stakes, as the loser will be eliminated from the tournament, fans can expect a close and thrilling contest.