In a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) emerged victorious against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by four wickets. This win paves the way for RR to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Qualifier 2 set to take place in Chennai.

Having won the toss, RR captain Sanju Samson opted to bowl first, putting the onus on RCB to set a challenging total. The decision seemed to bear immediate fruit as RR’s bowlers consistently dented any momentum RCB tried to build. Trent Boult’s opening spell was a lesson in precision and economy. Boult conceded just six runs in his three-over spell and took the all-important wicket of RCB captain Faf du Plessis, who scored 17.

Although Sandeep Sharma leaked 12 runs in the second over, RCB’s Virat Kohli made his intentions clear with a six off Avesh Khan in the fourth over. However, Boult struck again, dismissing du Plessis in the fifth over with Rovman Powell taking a diving catch. Cameron Green, surprisingly batting at number three, accompanied Kohli to stabilize the innings as RCB ended their powerplay at a respectable 50 for one.

Yuzvendra Chahal was introduced in the eighth over and immediately made an impact. Kohli, aiming to up the ante, fell for 33 as he holed out to mid-wicket, presenting RR with a timely breakthrough. This set the scene for a gripping middle order showdown. Green started off aggressively but succumbed to Powell in the 13th over, scoring 27 off 21 balls.

Glenn Maxwell, expected to up the scoring rate, failed to deliver as he too was caught out soon after, leaving RCB at a precarious 97 for four by the end of the 13th over. Rajat Patidar, finding some rhythm, provided brief respite with two sixes before falling for 34 in the 15th over, giving Avesh Khan his first wicket. Dinesh Karthik’s short stint was marked by drama as an initial LBW decision was overturned by the third umpire.

The later stages of the innings saw a surge from Mahipal Lomror. With a belligerent 32 off just 17 balls, Lomror ensured RCB inched past the 160-run mark. Contributions from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma in the final over took RCB to a competitive total of 172 for seven.

In pursuit of 173, RR’s chase had a shaky beginning, with RCB’s bowlers applying early pressure.

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. Yashaswi Jaiswal broke free in the third over, smashing Yash Dayal for four boundaries, thanks in part to a difficult chance missed at first slip. Jaiswal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore laid a solid foundation, putting up 46 runs for the opening wicket. Lockie Ferguson then bowled an exceptional slower ball to castle Kohler-Cadmore, who departed for 20.

The dismissal brought Sanju Samson to the crease. Both Samson and Jaiswal appeared set to capitalize, with Jaiswal reaching into the 40s. However, trying to scoop Green, Jaiswal edged to the wicketkeeper. Moments later, Samson was stumped off a wide delivery from Karn Sharma for 17.

With wickets in hand but the required rate climbing, the responsibility shifted to Riyan Parag. Partnered with Shimron Hetmyer, the duo launched a counter-offensive against the RCB bowlers. Despite a brief scare when Dhruv Jurel was run out by a direct hit from Kohli, Parag kept his cool. Hetmyer, making use of the Impact Player rule, returned from a break and immediately played a critical role.

Entering the final five overs, RR needed 48 runs. Hetmyer smashed a six over long-on on the first ball he faced in the over bowled by Green. Parag followed suit with a six over cover and a four through third-man, swinging the game decisively in RR’s favor. Even though RCB’s Mohammed Siraj managed to remove Parag (36 off 26 balls) and Hetmyer (26 off 14 balls), the chase was effectively over.

Rovman Powell ensured there were no further hiccups. With two elegant boundaries and a powerful six, Powell clinched the victory for RR in the penultimate over, sealing a memorable triumph. The win not only propelled Rajasthan Royals into Qualifier 2 but also set the stage for what promises to be another electrifying contest in Chennai against Kolkata Knight Riders.

As Rajasthan Royals celebrate their hard-fought victory, all eyes now shift towards Chennai for what could be another enthralling match in this season’s IPL.

By IPL Agent

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