In what was a sensational display of cricket and strategic brilliance, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) edged out Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by four wickets in the high-octane Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This crucial win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad propels the Royals into Qualifier 2, where they will face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
The coin toss turned fortuitous for RR as skipper Sanju Samson opted to bowl first, a decision that would prove pivotal to their strategy. The RCB innings was a rollercoaster, with several batsmen showing early promise but failing to convert starts into substantial scores. Each time RCB looked set to consolidate, the RR bowlers would dismantle their rhythm and peg them back.
A major highlight of RR’s bowling was Trent Boult, who delivered an impeccable opening spell with the new ball, which left the RCB batsmen struggling for room and runs. Boult’s initial three overs were particularly frugal, costing a mere six runs and claiming the wicket of the dynamic Faf du Plessis, who fell after scoring 17. Sandeep Sharma faced a more challenging task at the opposite end, seeing his second over plundered for 12 runs.
Avesh Khan was thrown into the fray for the fourth over, only to be met with a six struck with authority by RCB’s seasoned campaigner, Virat Kohli. However, the determination of the Royals’ bowling unit would shine through, as Boult soon removed du Plessis in the fifth over with a delivery that forced a miscue into the safe hands of Rovman Powell, who exhibited sharp reflexes in the deep.
Cameron Green was promoted up the order, coming in at number three ahead of Rajat Patidar. By the end of the powerplay, RCB found themselves at a promising 50 for one. Even so, the introduction of Yuzvendra Chahal in the eighth over proved to be a masterstroke. Kohli, in an aggressive attempt to set the pace, succumbed to Chahal’s guile, handing RR a significant breakthrough with his departure for 33.
The middle overs saw a fierce contest unfold between bat and ball. Green displayed aggressive intent against Chahal, contrasting Patidar’s more circumspect approach as he looked to acclimate and find his rhythm. R Ashwin’s economical spell further tightened the screws on RCB, his precision inducing the type of pressure that led RCB batsmen to adopt high-risk strategies.
An eager Patidar enjoyed a slice of fortune when a catch was dropped at long-on, but Green (27 off 21 deliveries) didn’t escape, caught at cover courtesy of another Powell effort, this time off Ashwin’s bowling. No sooner had Maxwell walked to the crease than he fell cheaply, lofting a catch to long-on, leaving RCB reeling at 97 for four by the 13th over.
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A glimmer of revival came as Patidar finally found form, launching two sixes within a rapid seven-ball stint. Yet, Avesh Khan’s resilience shattered that resurgence, claiming Patidar’s wicket for 34 in the 15th over. Dinesh Karthik’s introduction to the crease was immediately embroiled in controversy as an initial LBW decision was overturned upon review.
RCB’s innings was headed towards a climax with Mahipal Lomror providing some fireworks. His quickfire 32 off just 17 balls injected crucial momentum, taking the team to a respectable 172. Contributions from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma in the final over added further polish with a couple of boundary strokes.
Chasing 173, RR’s pursuit began with the RCB bowlers finding early assistance from the pitch, restricting runs effectively in the initial couple of overs. However, Yashaswi Jaiswal soon changed gears, unleashing a flurry of boundaries off Yash Dayal in the third over, one resulting from a challenging drop at slip. The initial pair crafted a solid foundation, posting 46 runs before Ferguson’s smartly disguised slower ball bowled Tom Kohler-Cadmore for 20.
Despite setbacks with the scalps of Jaiswal, who edged through to the keeper attempting an audacious scoop, and Samson, dismissed stumped on 17 off a wide from Karn Sharma, RR’s target appeared within reach, primarily due to Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer. Their calculated assaults thwarted RCB’s defensive maneuvers with just five overs to spare.
RR stood needing 48 from 30 balls. Hetmyer demonstrated his return to form with a towering six over long-on off Green’s bowling. Parag followed suit with an elegant six over cover and a deft four through third-man, firmly seizing control of the chase. The experienced Hetmyer’s contribution was quintessential under pressure, raising the crucial stakes.
Even with Siraj dismissing Parag (36 off 26) and Hetmyer (26 off 14), RR’s task had slimmed to a simple run-a-ball chase. Rovman Powell took charge, ensuring no further setbacks as he smashed the remaining runs with two fabulous fours and an emphatic six, sealing victory for the Royals in the penultimate over.
Rajasthan’s commanding performance in Ahmedabad now takes them on a journey to Chennai for the Qualifier 2 showdown with the Kolkata Knight Riders, buoyed by the form they showcased in this thrilling Eliminator clash. It’s over to Chennai for the next chapter in IPL 2024’s unfolding drama!