In a thrilling and fiercely contested Eliminator match of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) emerged victorious by four wickets against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This significant victory propelled RR into Qualifier 2, where they are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, RR strategically placed themselves in a position to chase. The RCB innings was a roller-coaster ride, filled with promising starts by several batters, none of whom could capitalize on their footholds to build a substantial score. Any momentum RCB attempted to generate was consistently checked by RR’s bowlers who struck crucial wickets at pivotal moments.
The new ball spell by Trent Boult was foundational for RR, as he bowled three miserly overs conceding only six runs and dismissing the dangerous Faf du Plessis for 17. Boult’s tight bowling set the tone and restricted RCB’s aggressive aspirations.
On the other hand, Sandeep Sharma’s second over conceded 12 runs, reflecting the contrasting fortunes at the start. However, Avesh Khan’s introduction in the fourth over saw Virat Kohli respond with a commanding pull shot for six, asserting his authority. Despite such resistance, Boult dismissed du Plessis in the fifth over with a well-directed delivery that saw Rovman Powell take an impressive diving catch.
RCB opted for Cameron Green at number three, looking to capitalize on the powerplay’s end, which they completed at 50 for one. The pressure then fell on Yuzvendra Chahal, who introduced himself in the eighth over. Kohli, in a bid to accelerate the run-rate, perished trying to clear mid-wicket, scoring 33 essential runs. His departure marked a significant breakthrough for RR, drawing a crucial wedge in RCB’s lineup.
Green and Rajat Patidar’s partnership was cautious yet peppered with moments of aggression. Patidar struggled initially but soon seemed to find rhythm. R Ashwin, bowling economically in the middle overs, exerted additional pressure on RCB’s batters, forcing them to take ill-advised risks.
Patidar had a life when he was dropped by the long-on fielder.
. Nonetheless, Green fell for 27 off 21 balls, caught at cover, initiating a minor collapse. Glenn Maxwell, attempting to follow Green’s aggression, was also caught at long-on, leaving RCB at 97 for four in 13 overs.
Patidar, gaining confidence, found boundaries at a crucial juncture but could not continue after a prosperous over, falling for 34. Dinesh Karthik, who came in subsequently, managed to survive an early leg-before wicket scare thanks to the third-umpire’s intervention.
Towards the closing stages of the innings, RCB managed a surge courtesy of Mahipal Lomror’s rapid 32 off 17 balls, which included strategic boundary hits to push the team past a competitive total of 160. The final over saw Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma tallying important runs, eventually setting RR a target of 173.
RR’s run-chase began tentatively, with RCB bowlers extracting early support from the pitch. However, Yashaswi Jaiswal broke free in the third over, exploiting Yash Dayal’s erratic deliveries for four boundaries, fortuitously benefitting from a dropped catch. Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Jaiswal added a swift 46 before the former was bowled by Lockie Ferguson’s masterful slower ball.
Captain Sanju Samson and Jaiswal maintained the chase’s intensity, with Jaiswal nearing a fifty before a faint edge off Green sent him packing for 40. Samson soon followed, stumped off Karn’s wide delivery for 17, transferring the burden of anchor to Riyan Parag.
Parag, along with Dhruv Jurel and subsequent partner Shimron Hetmyer, navigated through a nervy middle phase. Despite Jurel’s unfortunate run-out via Kohli’s brilliant throw, Parag’s composure coupled with Hetmyer’s calculated aggression kept RR in the contest.
Requiring 48 off the final five overs, Hetmyer launched a crucial six off Green and Parag followed with an impressive shot over covers. Their effective hitting placed RR firmly in control, easing the required run rate. Hetmyer’s composure and experience shone through as he played a pivotal role although both him and Parag fell in quick succession, reducing the target to a run-a-ball.
Rovman Powell, stepping up after their dismissals, finished the job in the penultimate over with two fours and a six, sealing the memorable victory for Rajasthan Royals.
As RR look ahead to their Qualifier 2 match against KKR in Chennai, the team will draw confidence from their balanced performance in this intense eliminator. Over to Chennai for another gripping encounter in the fight for the IPL glory!