Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched the fourth and final Indian Premier League playoff spot after Delhi Capitals failed to beat Mumbai Indians in the final week of the regular season.
It means Bangalore, who beat table-topping Gujarat Titans to jump into the top four, are competing in the playoffs for the third successive season as they chase their maiden IPL trophy.
They will now face Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday, with the Titans waiting to face the winner in Sunday’s grand final.
IPL 2022 outright odds
Playoffs format and fixtures
So, how does it all work? There are three matches before Sunday’s final: The Eliminator, Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2. Gujarat Titans (1st) and Rajasthan Royals (2nd) faced off in Qualifier 1, with the Titans advancing to Sunday’s final.
However, all hope is not lost for the the Royals as the format is weighted in favour of the teams who finished higher in the table. They have a second shot at reaching the final in Qualifier 2 — against the winner of The Eliminator.
Lucknow Super Giants (3rd) lost Wednesday’s Eliminator to Royal Challengers Bangalore (4th), meaning their season is over.
As winners of the Eliminator, Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Rajasthan in Qualifier 2 (are you still with me?). That contest will determine who faces the Titans in the IPL final.
IPL 2022 playoff fixtures
| Qualifier 1 | Date |
|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals | May 24, 2022 |
| Eliminator | |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Lucknow Super Giants | May 25, 2022 |
| Qualifier 2 | |
| Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | May 27, 2022 |
| Final | |
| Gujarat Titans vs TBC | May 29, 2022 |