In a gripping match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) emerged victorious over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), securing a four-wicket win in the Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This remarkable victory propels RR into the Qualifier 2, where they will square off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a much-anticipated clash in Chennai.
The encounter started with RR winning the toss and opting to bowl first, employing a strategy that paid off handsomely. RCB’s innings began with promise as several batsmen made decent starts; however, none managed to convert these starts into substantial scores. Each time RCB appeared to gain momentum, RR’s disciplined bowling attack intervened, seizing vital wickets to keep the opposition in check.
Trent Boult delivered a mesmerizing spell with the new ball, conceding a mere six runs in his first three overs, while claiming the crucial wicket of RCB’s skipper, Faf du Plessis, who departed for 17. Meanwhile, from the opposite end, Sandeep Sharma leaked 12 runs in the second over. Avesh Khan entered the attack in the fourth over and was immediately dispatched for a six by Virat Kohli. Boult then struck a vital blow in the fifth over when du Plessis attempted an ambitious slog over mid-wicket, only to be caught by Rovman Powell, who executed a superb diving catch in deep mid-wicket.
Cameron Green was elevated to the No. 3 spot ahead of Rajat Patidar, and RCB concluded the powerplay with a score of 50 for one. Yuzvendra Chahal was introduced into the attack in the eighth over, resulting in a pivotal breakthrough as Kohli, trying to accelerate RCB’s run rate, mistimed a shot and was caught at mid-wicket for 33. This dismissal offered RR a critical advantage.
The following overs turned into a strategic tussle. Green launched an attack on Chahal, while Patidar took his time adjusting to the conditions. Concurrently, R Ashwin bowled a critical spell during the middle overs, maintaining a tight grip on the scoring rate and piling pressure on the RCB batsmen. This pressure led to unnecessary risks by the RCB batsmen, with Patidar gaining a lifeline due to a dropped catch at long-on. However, Green (27 off 21 balls) soon succumbed, caught at cover by Powell in the 13th over. Glenn Maxwell followed swiftly, getting caught comfortably at long-on after lofting the ball.
With RCB positioned precariously at 97 for four by the 13th over, the pressure was on the middle order to stabilize the innings.
. Patidar rediscovered his rhythm, launching two sixes within a span of seven deliveries. Nevertheless, Avesh Khan clawed back with a wicket, dismissing Patidar, who holed out to mid-off for 34 in the 15th over. Dinesh Karthik walked in next but survived a contentious leg-before appeal thanks to a review that overturned the on-field decision.
In the closing overs, it was Mahipal Lomror who injected some much-needed aggression into RCB’s innings, striking a quickfire 32 off 17 balls and ensuring the team crossed the 160-mark. In the final over, Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma managed to find boundaries, pushing the total to a modest 172.
As RR’s pursuit began, RCB’s bowlers initially managed to subdue the batsmen, controlling the scoring effectively for the first two overs. However, Yashaswi Jaiswal broke the shackles in the third over, smacking four fours off Yash Dayal, overcoming a dropped chance at first slip to propel the innings forward. The opening partnership gathered momentum, amassing 46 runs before Lockie Ferguson’s clever slower ball dismantled Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s stumps for 20 in the fifth over.
Sanju Samson joined Jaiswal to maintain the required run rate with timely boundaries. Jaiswal pushed into the 40s and attempted an audacious scoop against Green, only to edge it to the wicketkeeper. Shortly afterward, Samson’s charge against Karn went awry as he was stumped off a wide for 17.
The onus now rested on Riyan Parag to steer the run-chase. Despite a stunning run-out of Dhruv Jurel by Kohli, Parag kept his cool and, along with Shimron Hetmyer—the designated Impact Player—mounted a strategic assault on RCB’s attack. With five overs remaining, RR required 48 runs. Hetmyer ignited the chase with a towering six over long-on off Green’s first delivery. Parag followed with a lofted six over cover, along with a deft four through third-man, putting RR firmly in control as the required run rate dwindled.
Hetmyer’s presence was pivotal, returning from a break and adding depth when RR needed it most, efficiently maneuvering through pressurized overs with his extensive experience. Even though Siraj returned to snatch the wickets of Parag (36 off 26 balls) and Hetmyer (26 off 14 balls), the equation had reduced to a run-a-ball requirement. Rovman Powell dismissed any remaining doubts, sealing the victory with two boundaries and a decisive six in the penultimate over, ensuring RR’s march forward in the tournament.
And now, it’s onward to Chennai, where RR will face KKR, with both teams vying for a spot in the grand finale of this exhilarating IPL season.