In an electrifying contest that had fans on the edge of their seats, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a place in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs with a thrilling 27-run victory against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This match, a virtual do-or-die encounter, saw the fate of both teams in the balance until the very last over, ensuring it was a clash worthy of great rivals.
The match reached a fever pitch in the final over, with CSK requiring 17 runs to carve their way into the playoffs. Yash Dayal commenced the over with a full toss, which MS Dhoni dispatched high over fine-leg for a massive 110-meter six, igniting the stadium with anticipation. However, Dayal quickly recomposed himself; his next delivery was a deceptive slower ball that Dhoni misjudged, resulting in a straightforward catch at deep square-leg.
Shardul Thakur, who followed, was unable to connect with Dayal’s tricky short and slow ball, eking out only a single via an outside edge. This scenario left Ravindra Jadeja in a high-pressure situation, needing to score 10 runs from the final two deliveries to reprise his heroics from the 2023 final. Dayal, demonstrating nerves of steel, delivered precise slower balls that Jadeja couldn’t capitalize on, securing RCB’s passage to the playoffs.
The drama was set in motion when CSK won the toss and opted to bowl, putting the onus on RCB to not only post a challenging total but also defend it by a margin of at least 18 runs. As is often the case at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is known for producing high-scoring affairs, RCB’s innings was poised for fireworks but not without early challenges.
RCB’s innings began with a promising partnership between Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, who attacked right from the get-go. Among the memorable moments was a spectacular flick by Kohli off Tushar Deshpande, sending the ball soaring over mid-wicket for six. RCB was cruising at 31 for three after the third over when rain briefly interrupted play. Fortunately, the break turned out to be short-lived, and the game resumed with no loss of overs.
Upon resumption, the pitch seemed to test the batsmen more, with CSK deploying their spinners strategically. During the next two overs, RCB grappled with the changing conditions as the ball gripped and turned, yielding just six runs as wickets began to falter. However, du Plessis resumed the attack by blasting Mahesh Theekshana down the ground, and Kohli followed suit, dominating Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner post-powerplay. Kohli eventually succumbed, having hit consecutive sixes and then being caught by Daryl Mitchell at long-on due to a slight lapse.
Du Plessis continued the assault with some brilliant hitting off Jadeja to reach a composed half-century. Not far behind, Rajat Patidar joined the fray, displaying scintillating form with a six off Theekshana early in his innings.
. However, du Plessis departed on 54 when a straight drive by Patidar ricocheted off Santner’s hand into the stumps at the non-striker’s end.
With the score at 113 for three by the 13th over, RCB urgently needed a surge. That came courtesy of Patidar and Cameron Green with a pulsating 71-run stand in just 28 balls. The duo executed an array of aggressive strokes to propel RCB over the 200-mark, especially showcasing their prowess in the death overs. Patidar finished with 41 off 23 balls, while Green remained unbeaten with a dazzling 38 off just 17. Rapid-fire contributions from Dinesh Karthik and Glenn Maxwell added the finishing touches, guiding RCB to a formidable total of 218.
CSK’s chase began chaotically when Ruturaj Gaikwad fell to Dayal immediately, setting a nervous tone. Glenn Maxwell’s introduction to the bowling attack during this intense period contained CSK early on. Dayal claimed another scalp, dismissing Mitchell with a delivery that found its way to mid-off. In trouble at 19 for two, CSK needed stabilization.
This task fell to Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane, who began rebuilding with a meaningful 66-run partnership in 41 balls. Exhibiting a well-balanced combination of caution and aggression, both players kept the required run rate within reach. Yet, as Lockie Ferguson entered the attack, Rahane fell for 33, enabling RCB to regain control.
After Rahane’s departure, pressure mounted on CSK as boundaries became scarce. Despite Shardul Thakur’s reprieve from a dropped catch by Mohammad Siraj, RCB stayed composed. Ravindra, caught in a mix-up with Shivam Dube, was run out for 61, and further setbacks followed as Dube fell, and Santner’s high-flying attempt was snatched brilliantly by du Plessis.
The pressure on CSK was palpable as Dhoni and Jadeja joined forces, requiring 71 runs from the last five overs. While Jadeja sought to bridge the gap with strategic hits, including a forceful six off Ferguson, the task proved too steep. Ferguson’s beamer added to the drama, but Dayal’s precise final-over restricted CSK, ultimately leaving them short of the target needed to advance, and ensuring RCB’s hard-earned qualification.