In a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) showcased a spectacular all-round performance to secure a four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator match of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This hard-fought win enabled RR to advance to Qualifier 2 where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai, thus keeping their ambitions for the championship alive.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, RR strategized to put pressure on RCB from the get-go. The strategy seemed prudent as RCB’s innings, although promising at intervals, could not culminate into a substantial total due to consistent breakthroughs by RR’s bowling attack. Even as several RCB batsmen managed to get a start, turning these into a big score remained elusive as RR bowlers skillfully disrupted their innings momentum.
Trent Boult displayed remarkable control with the new ball, conceding a mere six runs across his opening three overs, and claimed the crucial wicket of RCB’s skipper Faf du Plessis, who scored 17 before being dismissed. Sandeep Sharma, on the other hand, leaked runs early on as Virat Kohli looked to dominate, marking his entry with a superb pull shot for six against Avesh Khan. However, Boult struck a massive blow to RCB’s prospects when he dismissed du Plessis in the fifth over, caught brilliantly by Rovman Powell in the deep.
In a strategic move, Cameron Green was promoted up the order to bat at number three, with Rajat Patidar waiting in the wings. As RCB ended their powerplay at 50 for one, the entrance of Yuzvendra Chahal in the eighth over tilted the balance back in RR’s favor. Kohli, aiming to accelerate the scoring rate, fell prey to Chahal, getting caught at mid-wicket for 33, a significant breakthrough for RR.
What followed was a fluctuating few overs where the pendulum of momentum swung both ways. RCB’s Green showcased aggressive intent against Chahal, while Patidar worked patiently to find his rhythm. However, the ever-reliable R. Ashwin maintained a tight grip from the other end, maintaining economy and applying pressure that eventually forced RCB into risky shot-making. Ashwin’s pressure induced an error from Green, who was caught for 27 by Powell off a mistimed shot in the 13th over.
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Immediately after, Glenn Maxwell’s extravagant attempt found only the hands of the long-on fielder, leaving RCB at a precarious 97 for four. The innings thereafter witnessed Patidar briefly finding his form, hitting two sixes, before Avesh Khan triggered another setback, dismissing him for 34 in the 15th over.
Towards the latter part of the innings, Mahipal Lomror’s brisk 32 off 17 ensured RCB managed a competitive total by pushing the scoreboard past 160. Contributions from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma in the final over elevated RCB’s total to 172, setting up an intriguing chase for RR.
As RR began their innings, RCB bowlers looked keen to exploit the conditions, keeping the RR openers in check initially. However, Yashaswi Jaiswal took control, dramatically accelerating with four boundaries in one over off Yash Dayal. Early wickets followed, with Lockie Ferguson bowling a slower delivery to clean up Tom Kohler-Cadmore for 20, and shortly after, Sanju Samson and Jaiswal both perished in rapid succession.
With RR in a delicate situation, Riyan Parag took stock of the situation, eagerly assuming the responsibility to steer the chase. Despite a dramatic run-out of his partner Dhruv Jurel, Parag, alongside Impact Player Shimron Hetmyer, recalibrated the innings with smart strokeplay, applying precise aggression when needed. They reduced the equation to 48 needed off the final five overs, a task that Hetmyer made less daunting with a crucial six off Green.
As Hetmyer and Parag continued to dismantle RCB’s bowling attack, the required run rate became manageable. Mohammad Siraj managed to dismiss both set batsmen, but not before they brought RR within touching distance of finishing line. Any further alarms were staved off as Rovman Powell stepped up to play a cameo, sealing victory with two boundaries and a six to secure the triumph in the penultimate over.
The win emboldens RR as they prepare for their next fixture against KKR in Chennai, in what promises to be another exhilarating contest in this year’s IPL playoffs. With their eyes set on the coveted trophy, RR has truly demonstrated their mettle at this crucial juncture of the tournament. All roads now lead to Chennai for what promises to be a spectacular showdown.