In a nail-biting encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their spot in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs with a dramatic 27-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With both teams’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the match delivered high-octane excitement right till the last over.
Chasing RCB’s challenging total, CSK needed 17 runs in the final over to clinch victory. Yash Dayal, tasked with bowling the last over, faced the legendary MS Dhoni at the crease. Dayal’s first delivery was a full toss, and Dhoni, never one to miss such an opportunity, dispatched it over fine-leg for a colossal 110-meter six. With the pressure mounting, Dayal’s second delivery was slower and pitched outside off. This time, Dhoni tried to clear the field over square-leg but could only manage elevation, resulting in a catch in the deep.
Shardul Thakur then came to the crease and missed Dayal’s next ball, which was short and slow. He managed to edge the following delivery for a single, bringing Ravindra Jadeja back on strike with 10 runs needed from the last two balls. Dayal remained composed and executed two accurate slower deliveries, effectively sealing the win and RCB’s place in the playoffs.
The match held immense significance, serving as a virtual knockout for both sides. CSK, winning the toss, opted to bowl first, setting up a scenario where they needed to restrict RCB to a total that would allow them to win by 18 runs to qualify. The anticipation was palpable as the teams took to the pitch, known for its history of high-scoring games.
RCB’s innings saw a promising start with openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis taking an aggressive approach against the CSK bowlers. Kohli’s standout moment came when he flicked Tushar Deshpande over mid-wicket for a spectacular six. The hosts were 31 for no loss by the third over when rain briefly interrupted play. Despite the disruption, the match resumed without any loss of overs.
Post the rain break, conditions seemed to favor the bowlers more, with CSK spinners finding turn and grip. RCB could only muster six runs in the two overs after play resumed. Du Plessis relieved some pressure in the last over of the powerplay by hitting Mahesh Theekshana down the ground. Kohli soon joined in, smashing Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner for sixes.
However, Kohli’s aggression was short-lived as he was caught at long-on off Santner’s bowling for a quick 39. Du Plessis continued the assault, bringing up his half-century with a flourish before being run-out in an unfortunate manner when Patidar’s drive deflected off Santner’s hand onto the stumps. At 113 for three in the 13th over, RCB needed a strong finish.
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Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green seized the moment, launching an aggressive partnership that added 71 runs off just 28 balls. Their onslaught ensured RCB crossed the 200-mark, with Patidar scoring 41 off 23 balls and Green finishing unbeaten with 38 off 17. Late contributions from Dinesh Karthik (14 off six balls) and Glenn Maxwell (16 off five balls) propelled the total to an imposing 218.
In response, CSK’s chase began disastrously with Ruturaj Gaikwad falling to Yash Dayal on the very first ball, caught at short fine-leg. The immediate introduction of Glenn Maxwell to bowl further complicated matters for the batsmen. CSK soon found themselves at 19 for two after Mitchell fell to Dayal in the third over.
The partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane was pivotal for CSK’s hopes, mixing cautious and aggressive play to add 66 runs off 41 balls. The duo kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries, moving CSK to 85 for two in the ninth over. However, Lockie Ferguson’s introduction saw Rahane sky one to du Plessis, ending his innings at 33.
This breakthrough opened the door for RCB to apply pressure, which they did by restricting boundaries in the subsequent overs. Ravindra, trying to break free, hit the 12th over for two sixes and a four, helping him reach his half-century.
The final stages of the game saw mounting drama. Shivam Dube was dropped by Mohammad Siraj, but soon after, Ravindra was run-out in a mix-up with Dube for a crucial 61. Dube’s struggle ended when he was caught off Ferguson in the next over. Further pressure was added as Santner’s attempt to go over mid-off was brilliantly caught by du Plessis.
At 71 runs needed off the last five overs, MS Dhoni joined Jadeja. Despite a significant time-out, Jadeja signaled his intent with a six down the ground. With boundaries flowing and scores piling up in the next two overs, it seemed CSK might just pull off the chase.
When Ferguson bowled the penultimate over, CSK needed 35 runs. Bowing a beamer first up, he then saw Jadeja and Dhoni pick fours each. Jadeja’s six off the last ball set up a thrilling final over. However, Yash Dayal’s composed bowling under pressure ensured RCB’s victory and their progress to the playoffs, dashing CSK’s hopes.
Thus, in a game that encapsulated the competitive spirit of the IPL, RCB emerged victorious and marched into the playoffs, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.