In an exhilarating showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) outplayed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, securing a four-wicket victory. This triumph advances RR to Qualifier 2, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
The day began under bright skies as Rajasthan Royals won the toss and made the strategic decision to bowl first. RCB’s journey through the innings was one of promise without full fruition. While their batsmen got off to decent starts, the real challenge came in converting those starts into substantial scores. The Rajasthan bowling attack, ever vigilant, ensured that each budding threat was countered quickly.
The charge against RCB was led spectacularly by Trent Boult, who showcased an excellent spell with the new ball, giving away merely six runs in his three overs and claiming the prized wicket of Faf du Plessis, who was dismissed for 17 runs. Boult’s early breakthrough set the tone for RR, with the New Zealander’s well-directed deliveries complicating RCB’s strategy right from the start.
RCB, however, found some solace as runs came through Sandeep Sharma, albeit expensively, as he gave away 12 runs in his second over. Avesh Khan’s introduction brought volatility, promptly ushered in with Virat Kohli’s authoritative pull for six. Yet, Boult struck back by removing du Plessis with a daring catch from Rovman Powell, a fielding effort that underlined RR’s resolve.
In a surprising move, Cameron Green was batting at number three, leapfrogging Rajat Patidar. The pair closed the powerplay with a reasonable score of 50 for one. RCB’s hopes were briefly revitalized with Kohli’s composed innings until Yuzvendra Chahal, a former RCB staple, turned the tables by coaxing a mistimed shot from the master batsman for a precious 33 runs.
Cameron Green attempted to steady the RCB innings, taking the fight to Chahal. Yet, the pervasive pressure masterfully applied by R Ashwin in the middle overs kept the scoring rate firmly in check. Ashwin’s probing deliveries meant that RCB batsmen were forced into rashly calculated risks.
. Green departed post a mistimed heave to cover, brilliantly caught by Powell, shortly followed by Glenn Maxwell’s dismissal, leaving RCB precariously placed at 97 for four after 13 overs.
The Patidar chapter came to a close when Avesh Khan extracted him for a mistimed shot resulting in an easy catch at mid-off. Some stability returned as Mahipal Lomror injected a late flourish, seeing RCB to a competitive total of 172, with Lomror’s spirited 32 off 17 balls becoming crucial in crossing 160 during the final overs.
Rajasthan Royals’ pursuit of 173 began with a cautious edge as the RCB bowlers extracted early movement from the pitch. Yashaswi Jaiswal, ever the aggressor, broke through the initial shackles in the third over by dispatching Yash Dayal to the boundaries four times, including a chance dropped at first slip, setting the RR innings on its course.
The Jaiswal-Sanju Samson partnership added substance before Samson fell prey to a miscalculated charge against Karn Sharma, ending his stint for 17. With Jaiswal delivering a commendable start, he was caught behind trying to outsmart Green, leaving RR with a demanding scenario.
Riyan Parag took center stage as RR sought composure in the latter stages, even as the match witnessed renewed excitement when Dhruv Jurel fell to a spectacular direct hit from Virat Kohli. Nevertheless, Parag’s calmness in tandem with Impact Player Shimron Hetmyer forged a crucial partnership at a pivotal juncture.
With 48 needed off the last five, RR rose to the occasion memorably. Hetmyer announced his intent with a towering six over long-on. Concurrently, Parag maintained the tempo with his tactical strokeplay, ensuring the required rate slipped into manageable margins.
Mohammed Siraj delivered moments of resistance, claiming the prized scalps of both Parag and Hetmyer relatively late. However, the match was all but sealed, with RR needing mere singles to close the game. Rovman Powell lent the finishing flourish, clubbing two policy-defying fours and a scintillating six to cement the victory with an over to spare.
As RR prepares to head to Chennai, the match underscored their well-rounded valor. The accolade for an astounding team effort goes to both their steady bowling and adaptable batting lineups, eager now to challenge KKR on the way to IPL glory.