In a riveting clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) showcased a commendable all-round performance to overcome Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by four wickets in the fiercely contested Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This victory has catapulted RR into the Qualifier 2, where they will face the formidable Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai, shaping up an exciting pathway towards the finals.
The decisive encounter commenced with RR winning the toss and opting to put RCB into bat, a decision that soon appeared strategic as RR’s bowlers swiftly disrupted RCB’s batting momentum. Despite promising starts from several RCB batsmen, the team struggled to convert these into substantial scores, owing largely to the persistent breakthroughs delivered by the RR bowlers.
Leading the charge was Trent Boult who, wielding the new ball with exceptional skills, delivered a remarkably economical spell. In his three overs, Boult conceded merely six runs and succeeded in claiming the prized wicket of RCB captain Faf du Plessis, who was caught for 17. This early breakthrough set the tone for RR’s bowling strategy.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli exhibited his classic flair by welcoming Avesh Khan with a majestic pull shot for six. However, Boult’s brilliance shone through as he dismissed du Plessis with a well-executed delivery, caught outstandingly by Rovman Powell in the deep. RR’s bowling attack remained relentless, curtailing runs while picking timely wickets which prevented the opposition from building a solid foundation.
Cameron Green entered at number three, stepping ahead of Rajat Patidar. Although RCB ended the powerplay at a decent 50 for one, their innings were soon destabilized by Yuzvendra Chahal, whose introduction in the eighth over saw Kohli attempting to accelerate the run-rate, only to be caught at mid-wicket for 33. This marked a crucial turning point in the game as RR notched a significant breakthrough.
The middle overs witnessed a tactical battle as RR maintained pressure through R Ashwin’s critical spell, successfully containing runs and unsettling the RCB batsmen. The pressure inflicted by Ashwin compelled the visitors to take unnecessary risks, one of which saw Patidar receiving a life when a catch at long-on was put down. Nevertheless, their aggressive stance backfired as Green, after contributing 27 off 21 balls, succumbed to a delivery from Powell, followed by Glenn Maxwell who was dismissed shortly after, leaving RCB in a precarious position at 97 for four by the 13th over.
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Attempting to steer the innings, Patidar showcased glimpses of form with a couple of sixes; however, his resurgence was short-lived as Avesh Khan had him caught at mid-off for 34 in the 15th over. Dinesh Karthik joined the fray and was soon engulfed in a tense leg-before appeal that was overturned by the third umpire due to insufficient evidence.
RCB’s innings surged towards a competitive total owing to a valiant contribution from Mahipal Lomror, who struck an aggressive 32 off 17 balls, pushing the team beyond the 160-mark. Support from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma in the closing over saw them posting a final score of 172, providing RR a challenging target to chase.
As RR embarked on their run chase, early indications suggested that the pitch was offering some assistance to RCB’s bowlers. However, any semblance of pressure was alleviated when Yashaswi Jaiswal, with a flurry of boundaries, scored four consecutive fours off Yash Dayal, revitalizing RR’s innings right after the early lull. Jaiswal’s and Kohler-Cadmore’s opening stand brought RR to 46 before Lockie Ferguson bowled a magnificent slower ball to dismiss Kohler-Cadmore for 20.
Sanju Samson and Jaiswal kept RR in strong contention by maintaining the required run rate, consistently finding gaps in the field. Approaching his half-century, Jaiswal attempted to play a scoop shot off Green but was caught behind, leaving the team momentarily rattled at a crucial juncture.
Amid brief jitters, which saw Dhruv Jurel run out by a brilliant direct hit from Kohli, the pace of the innings was stabilized by Riyan Parag. In collaboration with Shimron Hetmyer, RR’s Impact Player, Parag meticulously dismantled RCB’s bowling attack. The pair strategically targeted loose deliveries and unerringly executed their game plans, placing RR in a commanding position with five overs remaining and 48 runs required.
Hetmyer’s explosive six off Green and Parag’s strategic lofted four and six propelled RR forward. Despite late dismissals of Parag and Hetmyer by Mohammed Siraj, the asking rate was brought down to a manageable level. Demonstrating composure, Rovman Powell played a crucial role in sealing the match by striking two fours and a six, securing RR’s victory in the penultimate over.
With this crucial win in the Eliminator, Rajasthan Royals now look forward to their face-off with Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 2, with the hope of progressing further in the IPL 2024.