In a high-octane encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their spot in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs by toppling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs. The decisive match, marked by incredible twists and turns, saw the two rivals locked in a battle that wasn’t resolved until the final over.
With 17 runs required in the last six balls, it fell upon MS Dhoni to guide CSK to the playoffs. Yash Dayal delivered a full toss off the first ball, which Dhoni dispatched for a colossal 110-meter six over fine-leg, igniting hopes among the CSK faithful. The second ball, however, brought about Dhoni’s downfall as he attempted to loft a slower delivery over square-leg, only to find a fielder in the deep who comfortably secured the catch. The pressure was squarely on Shardul Thakur who, after missing the next delivery which was slow and short, edged the following ball for a single to short third man. This left Ravindra Jadeja with the colossal task of scoring 10 runs off the remaining two deliveries. Yet, Dayal’s nerves of steel saw him deliver two impeccable slower balls, clinching a dramatic victory for RCB and a consequential spot in the playoffs.
The day began with CSK winning the toss and opting to bowl first in what was effectively a knockout scenario. They needed to restrict RCB and then chase a total in such a way that they would qualify for the playoffs. The traditionally high-scoring Chinnaswamy pitch lived up to its reputation, although RCB faced a brief setback early on.
Openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis sparked RCB’s innings with aggressive intent. Kohli’s masterful flick over mid-wicket off Tushar Deshpande for a six stood out among the early exchanges. At 31 for three wickets in three overs, the heavens opened up, prompting an interruption. Fortunately for cricket enthusiasts, the rain was fleeting, and play resumed soon without any overs being lost.
Post-resumption, batting conditions appeared more challenging as CSK’s spinners exploited the grip and turn. Mahesh Theekshana and Ravindra Jadeja, along with Mitchell Santner, managed to briefly stymie the RCB charge, limiting them to six runs in two overs after the break. Du Plessis, unyielding, smashed a ball down the ground off Theekshana to break the shackles. Kohli, rediscovering his rhythm, struck Jadeja over mid-wicket for a six in the ninth over, signaling the end of the spinners’ chokehold. However, he was soon dismissed by Santner, caught by Daryl Mitchell at long-on in the 10th over.
Du Plessis moved towards his half-century with some stylish hits, including two sixes and a four off Jadeja.
. Despite losing Kohli, RCB’s batting did not relent. Rajat Patidar, in-form and aggressive, partnered with Cameron Green in a blitzkrieg that catapulted the team’s score. During their 28-ball partnership, they added 71 runs, consistently striking at over 13 runs per over towards the end.
Rajat Patidar’s 41 off 23 balls and Cameron Green’s unbeaten 38 off 17 balls were complemented by Dinesh Karthik’s and Glenn Maxwell’s quick cameos, propelling RCB to a formidable 218. Consequently, CSK needed to chase down 201 to ensure their playoff berth.
CSK’s chase stumbled early on as Yash Dayal dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad on the very first ball. Glenn Maxwell, entrusted with the first over, quickly gained a measure of control. CSK faltered further as Dayal had Mitchell caught early. At 19 for two, the chase already appeared steep.
Attempting a recovery, Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane steered CSK’s innings with a calculated blend of caution and aggression, amassing 66 runs off 41 balls. Their steady partnership kept the required run rate in check, reaching 85 for two in the ninth over before Lockie Ferguson was introduced. Rahane lofted one high off the first ball, only to be caught by du Plessis for 33.
This wicket opened the floodgates for RCB, who tightened their grip on the match, restricting the flow of boundaries. Ravindra’s quick succession of a four and two sixes in the 12th over temporarily relieved some pressure but it wasn’t enough.
The 13th over saw Shivam Dube, dropped by Mohammad Siraj, eventually run out in an unfortunate mix-up with Ravindra, who scored 61. Dube’s struggle ended soon as he skied Ferguson to long-on. With the run tally mounting, Santner’s attempted loft over mid-off resulted in a spectacular one-handed catch by du Plessis, leaving CSK needing an improbable 71 off the last five overs.
MS Dhoni joined Jadeja in the middle, striving to keep the chase alive, and Jadeja’s intent was clear as he hit a towering six immediately after the time-out. Despite mustering runs off Siraj and a beamer from Ferguson, the task proved too onerous. Jadeja’s final defiant six only heightened the suspense leading up to the thrilling finish where RCB emerged victorious.
The victory marks a significant milestone for RCB, culminating in their qualification for the IPL 2024 playoffs, a feat achieved in a match that underscored the drama and thrill synonymous with the T20 format.