In a thrilling showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) scripted an exhilarating four-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This crucial win propels RR into the Qualifier 2, where they will confront the formidable Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
The match commenced with RR electing to bowl first—a decision that soon proved wise as their bowlers stifled RCB’s batting lineup. Despite promising starts from several RCB batters, none could solidify a substantial score, thanks to RR’s relentless bowling attack.
Trent Boult, exhibiting immense control with the new ball, was outstanding, conceding merely six runs from his three opening overs and claiming the prized wicket of Faf du Plessis for 17. Meanwhile, Sandeep Sharma’s second over was expensive, giving away 12 runs, but Avesh Khan’s introduction in the fourth saw Virat Kohli hammer a pull shot for six, heralding the battle ahead.
RCB encountered a significant setback in the fifth over when Boult dismissed du Plessis attempting a hit over mid-wicket, with Rovman Powell taking a commendable diving catch. Consequently, Cameron Green was promoted up the order, batting at No 3 ahead of Rajat Patidar. Concluding the powerplay at 50 for one, RCB appeared steady but cautious.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s entrance in the eighth over disrupted RCB’s momentum. In a bid to accelerate the run rate, Kohli fell prey to Chahal, holing out to mid-wicket for 33—an important breakthrough for RR. Following this, the game oscillated as Green looked aggressive while Patidar tried to anchor the innings.
R Ashwin, playing a pivotal role in the middle overs, exerted pressure with his economical spell. His tight bowling coerced the RCB batters to take undue risks. Although Patidar was granted a lifeline following a dropped catch at long-on, Green’s aggressive knock ended at 27 off 21 balls when he fell to Powell at cover. Glenn Maxwell perished off the subsequent delivery, caught at long-on, tipping RCB to 97 for four in 13 overs.
Patidar briefly revived RCB’s innings with two sixes in quick succession but succumbed for 34 in the 15th over, caught at mid-off off Avesh Khan’s delivery. Dinesh Karthik faced immediate pressure with an appeal for leg-before, which was overturned by the third-umpire.
The closing overs saw Mahipal Lomror’s audacious batting provide a much-needed boost to RCB.
. His 32 off 17 balls ensured RCB breached the 160-run mark. Contributions from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma in the final over led to a competitive total of 172.
When Rajasthan Royals embarked on their chase, RCB bowlers restricted them in the initial overs. Yashaswi Jaiswal soon broke free, smashing four boundaries off Yash Dayal in the third over, one of which was a difficult chance dropped at first slip. Building on this momentum, Jaiswal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore forged a partnership of 46 before Kohler-Cadmore was bowled by a slower ball from Lockie Ferguson for 20.
Sanju Samson joined Jaiswal to keep RR’s chase on track. Jaiswal, nearing his half-century, attempted a scoop against Green but edged to the wicketkeeper and departed into the 40s. Samson too fell swiftly, stumped off a wide delivery by Karn, leaving RR with the task of rebuilding.
Riyan Parag took over the responsibility of steering the chase and, alongside Shimron Hetmyer, launched a calculated assault against the RCB bowlers. Despite a brilliant run-out of Dhruv Jurel by Kohli, Parag maintained composure. Hetmyer, brought in as the Impact Player, used his experience to apply steady pressure on the bowlers.
With five overs remaining, RR needed 48 runs. Hetmyer’s swashbuckling six off the first ball by Green and Parag’s elegant six over cover and a four through third-man eased the required rate. Hetmyer played a crucial role, holding the innings together under immense pressure. Though Siraj dismissed Parag (36 off 26) and Hetmyer (26 off 14 balls), RR required just a run-a-ball.
Ensuring there were no last-minute hiccups, Rovman Powell wrapped up the match in style, hitting two fours and a six in quick succession, securing the victory for RR in the penultimate over.
With spirits high and a hard-fought victory under their belts, the Rajasthan Royals move on to Chennai for their Qualifier 2 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. The dream of lifting the IPL trophy remains alive for RR as fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling encounter.