Rajasthan Royals (RR) showcased an outstanding all-round performance to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This win propels RR into Qualifier 2, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, RR’s bowlers were up to the task, ensuring that RCB’s innings never really took off. Despite several of RCB’s batters getting off to good starts, RR’s bowlers consistently struck at crucial moments to keep the opposition from setting a formidable target.
Trent Boult led the bowling attack with an impeccable spell with the new ball, conceding only six runs in his first three overs and clinching the key wicket of Faf du Plessis, who managed just 17 runs. On the other end, Sandeep Sharma had a costly start, giving away 12 runs in the second over.
Virat Kohli, in particular, seemed to be in fine touch, welcoming Avesh Khan in the fourth over with a massive pull shot for six. However, Boult’s consistent line and length paid off as he dismissed du Plessis in the fifth over with Rovman Powell taking a sharp catch at deep mid-wicket.
Cameron Green came in at number three, ahead of Rajat Patidar, and RCB ended their powerplay at 50 for one. The introduction of Yuzvendra Chahal in the eighth over resulted in a pivotal moment in the match. Kohli, attempting to boost the scoring rate, played a poorly judged shot and was caught at mid-wicket for 33, delivering a massive blow to RCB’s progress.
Green continued to target Chahal aggressively, but Patidar was cautious, trying to establish himself at the crease. Concurrently, R Ashwin bowled a crucial middle-over spell, restricting RCB’s run rate and applying pressure on the batters. This pressure forced the RCB players into taking risky shots. Green, having scored 27 off 21 balls, fell victim to this pressure, sending a catch to cover off Powell’s bowling in the 13th over. The next ball saw Glenn Maxwell miscuing a shot to long-on, leaving RCB struggling at 97 for four in 13 overs.
Patidar attempted to rebuild the innings by hitting two sixes in seven balls. However, his luck ran out when he lofted a shot to mid-off off Avesh Khan’s bowling for 34. Dinesh Karthik stepped in but faced immediate pressure with an LBW appeal that was eventually overturned by the third umpire.
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Mahipal Lomror played a pivotal role in the slog overs, scoring an aggressive 32 off 17 balls and pushing RCB to cross the 160-run mark. Contributions from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma in the last over ensured RCB posted a total of 172, giving their bowlers a competitive score to defend.
As RR began their chase, the RCB bowlers seemed to gain early traction from the pitch, keeping the RR openers quiet in the first two overs. However, Yashaswi Jaiswal broke the restraint in the third over by hitting four boundaries off Yash Dayal, including a tough dropped chance at first slip. The openers added a solid 46 runs, setting a platform for the chase.
Lockie Ferguson provided RCB with their first breakthrough, dismantling Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s stumps with a deceptive slower ball in the fifth over. Despite the early wicket, Jaiswal and skipper Sanju Samson kept up with the required run rate, continuously finding the boundaries. Jaiswal, nearing his half-century, misjudged a scoop shot off Green and was caught behind for 41. Samson followed shortly, stumped off a wide delivery from Karn Sharma for 17.
The responsibility of guiding the chase then fell on Riyan Parag. Though there was a brief moment of concern when Dhruv Jurel was brilliantly run out by a direct throw from Kohli, Parag remained composed. Teaming up with Impact Player Shimron Hetmyer, Parag launched a strategic assault on the RCB bowlers.
With 48 runs needed in the final five overs, Hetmyer ignited the chase with a massive six over long-on off Green’s first delivery. Parag contributed significantly, lifting a six over cover and slicing a boundary through third-man. These calculated shots put RR firmly in control, easing the required run rate.
Hetmyer’s experience shone through as he absorbed the pressure, only to be dismissed by Mohammed Siraj after a pivotal 26 off 14 balls. Parag was also sent back for a vital 36 off 26 deliveries. Nonetheless, Rovman Powell ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing off the match with two boundary hits and a six, wrapping up the contest with an over to spare.
RR now head to Chennai with their eyes set on Qualifier 2 against KKR, carrying forward the momentum from a well-fought victory in this high-stakes Eliminator.