In an exhilarating encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) sealed a nail-biting four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator match of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This result propelled RR into Qualifier 2, setting up an exciting clash with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
The evening began with Rajasthan Royals opting to field after winning the toss, a decision that seemed justified as their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. The innings for RCB was a mixed bag of promising starts that failed to convert into substantial innings, partly due to the relentless RR bowling attack that consistently broke the momentum at crucial junctures.
The RR paceman, Trent Boult, set the tone with an impeccable opening spell. Boult’s precision and control with the new ball were evident as he conceded a mere six runs in his initial three-over spell and succeeded in dismissing RCB’s skipper Faf du Plessis for 17. Du Plessis fell trying to clear mid-wicket, where Rovman Powell held onto an impressive catch, diving forward to complete the dismissal.
RCB’s innings saw moments of flourish, highlighted by Virat Kohli’s powerful hitting. He welcomed bowler Avesh Khan with a stunning pull for six, signaling an intent to dominate. Yet, Kohli’s attacking approach was short-lived as he fell to Yuzvendra Chahal, caught at mid-wicket for 33, attempting to increase the run rate. This breakthrough was crucial for Rajasthan as it dented RCB’s plans of building a substantial first innings total.
The Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green, was promoted to number three, a tactical move that had its moments. Green took the attack to Chahal, while his partner Rajat Patidar took a more conservative approach to find his rhythm. However, their partnership did not last long as Green, trying to accelerate the scoring, was caught at cover for 27, followed by Glenn Maxwell’s dismissal, leaving RCB at a precarious 97 for four in 13 overs.
In the middle overs, veteran spinner R Ashwin displayed his magic, delivering a tight spell that put RCB batters under pressure, leading to rash shots and run-outs. Although Patidar soon found his groove, hitting two sixes, his resurgence was halted by Avesh Khan, which saw him walking back for 34.
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Dinesh Karthik’s entry was met with drama. An LBW appeal off his first delivery resulted in an on-field out call, but technology favored him with a successful review, allowing him to stay on the crease. Meanwhile, Mahipal Lomror’s aggressive cameo of 32 off 17 balls boosted RCB’s total in the closing overs. A flurry of boundaries from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma in the final over saw RCB closing their innings on a competitive 172.
Chasing a target of 173, RR encountered early challenges as the RCB bowlers maintained a tight grip over proceedings. The third over, however, turned into a decisive moment when Yashaswi Jaiswal counter-attacked, striking four boundaries off Yash Dayal, one off a dropped chance at slip. RR’s opening duo set a solid platform with their 46-run partnership before Lockie Ferguson’s slower ball hit the bullseye, dismissing Tom Kohler-Cadmore for 20.
Sanju Samson continued the chase alongside Jaiswal as they matched the pace of the required run rate. Jaiswal, seeking to reach his half-century, fell to a thin edge through to the keeper, attempting an ambitious scoop. Samson also succumbed shortly after for 17, being stumped advancing to Karn Sharma.
With the match poised delicately, Riyan Parag took charge of the chase amidst some brilliant fielding and throws, notably from Kohli that resulted in Dhruv Jurel’s spectacular run-out. Yet, Parag, alongside Shimron Hetmyer, orchestrated a strategic onslaught, turning the tables in favor of the Royals.
With five overs remaining, RR needed 48 runs. Hetmyer hit an immediate six off Cameron Green, and Parag followed suit with a six over cover and a deft four through third-man, swinging the momentum firmly in RR’s favor. The pressure, at this point, weighed heavily on the RCB bowlers, despite dismissals of both Parag (36 off 26) and Hetmyer (26 off 14), the target was well within reach.
Ensuring there were no last-minute hurdles, Rovman Powell brought his side home in style, finishing with two boundaries and a six to clinch the victory in the penultimate over, sealing RR’s path to the next stage in Chennai.