TATA IPL 2024: RR vs KKR Match Abandoned; RR to Face RCB in Eliminator
Rajasthan Royals missed out on the opportunity to secure a top-two spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 points table when their last league game against Kolkata Knight Riders was called off due to rain at the Barsapara Stadium, resulting in no play.
The cancellation of the final IPL 2024 league match dictates that Kolkata Knight Riders, leading the table, will encounter Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 at Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, securing the third spot, will confront the formidable Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator at the same venue on Wednesday. Notably, it marks the maiden occasion for Kolkata Knight Riders to conclude an IPL league stage as table-toppers.
Prior to Sunday's match, a warning was issued in Guwahati regarding the possibility of rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds impacting the showdown between the top two teams in the points table. Just five minutes before the scheduled toss, a sudden downpour compelled the groundstaff to swiftly deploy covers onto the playing area.
Shortly thereafter, extra covers were brought onto the field, and the weather forecast remained bleak, with intermittent drizzles ranging from heavy to steady, leaving both teams and fans in anticipation. The deadline for a potential five-over shootout was set for 10:56 pm local time. At 10 pm, the rain ceased, prompting the removal of covers, while super soppers diligently cleared the ground.
Despite the persistent threat of rain, KKR made the decision to field first in a seven-overs-per-side encounter. However, just before the truncated game was set to commence, rain resumed in Guwahati, prompting the reinstallation of covers. At 10:49 pm, with the inevitable outcome apparent, captains Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson exchanged handshakes, signaling the abandonment of the match. Consequently, both RR and KKR were awarded one point each.
