GT vs KKR match got abandoned due to rain. © iplt20.com
The IPL 2024 63rd match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday night turned out to be a damp squib, literally. In an unfortunate turn of events, the match in Ahmedabad was abandoned without a single ball being bowled due to heavy rain and lightning.
This result had a two-fold impact on the playoff race. Firstly, it confirmed a top-two finish for KKR in the league stage. GT’s hopes were dashed as even a win wouldn’t have kept them mathematically in contention. Their dismal net run rate of -1.063, the worst in the tournament, meant even two victories in their remaining matches wouldn’t have guaranteed a playoff berth.
On the other hand, KKR, boasting a dominant net run rate of 1.428 after 12 games, was already on the verge of securing a top-two finish. This abandoned match, awarding them a point, officially sealed their place at the top of the table.
That marks a historic first for KKR, who have never finished the league stage at the number one position. If Kolkata Knight Riders win their last league match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, they can make history by finishing in the top spot. Even if they lose, they can still clinch the top spot if RR fails to win both their remaining matches, including the clash with KKR.
The rainout also dashed GT’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs in their very first season in the Indian Primer League (IPL). That will be their first time missing out on the knockout stages. They have one remaining match, a consolation fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 16.
For KKR, the abandoned match meant they couldn’t give a trial run to their new wicketkeeper-batsman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz is expected to replace Phil Salt, who will be leaving for national team duty soon.
While a top-two finish is ideal, KKR wouldn’t mind finishing second, either. Interestingly, both times they finished runners-up in the IPL (2012 and 2014), they went on to win the championship. Will history repeat itself for the Knight Riders in 2024? Only time will tell.
