In a thrilling contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) emerged victorious by four wickets against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The scintillating performance by RR earned them a ticket to Qualifier 2, where they are set to clash with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, RR managed to keep RCB’s promising start in check, largely thanks to their disciplined bowling attack. Numerous RCB batters got off to starts but faltered in converting them into substantial scores under the crafty bowling of the RR unit.
Trent Boult set the tone for RR with a masterful spell, conceding a mere six runs over his three overs and claiming the significant wicket of RCB captain Faf du Plessis, who departed for 17. RCB responded robustly with Sandeep Sharma leaking 12 runs in his second over, and Avesh Khan being smacked for a six by Virat Kohli upon his introduction.
However, Boult struck again in the fifth over, dismissing du Plessis as he attempted an ambitious shot over mid-wicket. Rovman Powell showcased brilliant fielding with a diving catch to send du Plessis back to the pavilion. Cameron Green was sent in at No. 3, ahead of Rajat Patidar, as RCB concluded the powerplay with a decent 50 for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s introduction in the eighth over turned the tide as Kohli, in an unsuccessful attempt to accelerate the scoring, holed out at mid-wicket for a crucial 33. This wicket swung the momentum in RR’s favor. RCB then entered a see-saw battle, with Green taking initiatives against Chahal, while Patidar tentatively sought his rhythm.
The pressure mounted as RR’s R Ashwin executed a tight and economical spell in the middle overs. This friction caused the RCB batters to take imprudent risks, manifesting in Patidar being dropped by a fielder at long-on. Nevertheless, Green fell for 27 off 21 balls, holing out to Powell at cover. Glenn Maxwell followed immediately, hitting it straight to the long-on fielder.
RCB found themselves at 97 for four after 13 overs.
. Patidar rallied briefly, hitting two sixes before Avesh Khan got his breakthrough; Patidar holed out for 34 in the 15th over. Dinesh Karthik’s arrival saw an immediate appeal for leg-before, which the third umpire overturned.
The death overs were fueled by Mahipal Lomror’s aggressive stroke play. Lomror, with an impactful 32 off 17 balls, ensured RCB breached the 160-run mark, supported by some late hits from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma, as RCB finished their innings at 172.
As RR began their chase, the initial overs saw the RCB bowlers exploiting the wicket’s variable pace, containing the batters effectively. Yashaswi Jaiswal broke the shackles in the third over, capitalizing on Yash Dayal’s deliveries, even benefiting from a dropped chance at first slip.
The RR openers gradually picked up momentum, posting 46 before RCB struck back in the fifth over with Lockie Ferguson’s slower ball, which bowled Tom Kohler-Cadmore for 20. Sanju Samson and Jaiswal maintained a swift pace to keep up with the required rate. Jaiswal, nearing a half-century, attempted an audacious scoop against Green but was caught behind for a pivotal 40.
Captain Samson’s aggression led to his downfall as he charged Karn and was subsequently stumped for 17. The pressure then shifted to Riyan Parag, who despite a brief scare where Dhruv Jurel was run-out courtesy of Kohli’s brilliant fielding, held his nerve to guide the chase alongside Shimron Hetmyer, the Impact Player.
With 48 runs needed from the last five overs, Hetmyer’s experience shone bright. He launched a six off the first ball of Green’s over, followed by Parag’s six and a deft four through third-man, reducing the required rate significantly. Hetmyer exhibited remarkable composure, rediscovered after a hiatus, essential in absorbing the innings’ climax.
Despite Mohammed Siraj’s efforts, dismissing Parag for 36 and Hetmyer for 26, RR had simplified the equation to a run-a-ball. Rovman Powell ensured no further drama, sealing the win with two stylish boundaries and a six in the penultimate over, confirming RR’s place in the next playoff stage.
As the caravan moves to Chennai, RR gear up to face KKR in what promises to be another exhilarating contest in the TATA IPL 2024.