IPL 2018: Which team from KKR and RR will qualify for Qualifier 2 in case of a rain washout?

The first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 playoffs was a spectacular and outstanding affair after which the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) qualified for the final beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 2 wickets. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will now face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator game at the Eden Gardens, later in the day.

The excitement and the anticipation for the crisp encounter in Kolkata has already reached the highest levels, as the fans are eagerly waiting to see their team advance to the Qualifier 2 where they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, as per recent forecast by the Met department, there are chances of rain playing spoilsport in the Eliminator.

Which team qualifies for Qualifier 2 in case of a washout?

The chances of a rain-interrupted game are pretty high at the Eden Gardens and in that case, a minimum of five overs per side is the minimum prerequisite for the game to yield an outcome. However, if the match is washed out, the Knight Riders will advance to meet SRH in Qualifier 2.

This is possible because KKR ended up on the third position on the points table at the end of the league stages and the Ajinkya Rahane-led side was placed fourth. Thus, in the possibility of a heavy downpour which does not allow the minimum required overs to be played, KKR have an advantage and will qualify for the next stage without defeating the opposition.

During IPL 2017, the Knight Riders faced a similar situation in the Eliminator against Sunrisers and rain played spoilsport in the game. Kolkata were asked to chase down 48 runs in 6 overs, in order to make a cut and advance to Qualifier 2. The then Gautam Gambhir-led side successfully chased the target with four balls to spare.

While a rain washout works in favour of the hosts, Rajasthan Royals will be praying for a full-game to have the best chance and for their in-form opener, Rahul Tripathi and the others to rise to the occasion in the big match.

The Qualifier 2 will be played on 25th May at the Eden Gardens. The winner will then lock horns with MS Dhoni-led team in the finale that will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

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