IPL 2024: Match called off, SRH clinch playoffs spot

HYDERABAD: Sunrisers Hyderabad sealed the playoffs berth despite not taking the field as rain played spoilsport in their much-anticipated clash against Gujarat Titans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium on Thursday.
One point from this washout lifted them to third place with 15 points and it was enough for them to advance in the tournament. Sunrisers came into the clash needing a win for their primary goal of sealing the playoffs spot, but the match turned out to be a damp squib and the 33,871 spectators who braved heavy rain to make it to the venue were a disappointed lot as the match was called off without a ball being bowled.
Heavy rain that lashed the city in the afternoon made a prompt start unlikely but there was some hope as the rain relented.The covers started coming off around 7.15 pm much to the delight of the fans.
Within 10 minutes, the covers on the square too were removed and Sunrisers players made their way into the middle for a game of football to warm-up. Toss was rescheduled to 8 pm and an 8.15 pm start was on the cards before rain returned.
With KKR and Rajasthan Royals sealing two spots, the fight for the fourth spot will be between CSK (14) and RCB (12), who will clash on Saturday.