In a high-stakes match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted a memorable 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to secure their place in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. It was a game that went down to the last over, filled with drama and intense moments, captivating fans around the world.
CSK, needing 17 runs in the final over to keep their playoff hopes alive, faced Yash Dayal’s bowling. MS Dhoni, the legendary finisher, started with a bang, hitting a full toss ball over fine-leg for a gigantic 110-meter six. The stadium roared, and hearts raced as hopes surged for CSK. However, Dayal came back strongly with a slower delivery, enticing Dhoni to send one skywards towards square-leg, only for it to be comfortably caught by the fielder in the deep.
With Dhoni out, the pressure mounted on Shardul Thakur, who missed the next ball completely. Managing only an outside edge for a single, he positioned Ravindra Jadeja to achieve a daunting 10 off the last two balls. Dayal, showcasing nerves of steel, delivered two precise slower balls, thwarting Jadeja’s attempts and ensuring RCB’s passage to the playoffs. The thrilling contest was a fitting end to the close battle between cricket’s two titans.
The clash was a virtual knockout, with CSK opting to bowl first after winning the toss, setting the equation that whatever score RCB mustered, they would need an 18-run margin to advance. The batting-friendly Chinnaswamy pitch lived up to its reputation, though a mid-innings phase suggested reaching 200 might be challenging.
RCB began their innings with aggression. Opener Virat Kohli, alongside captain Faf du Plessis, took on the CSK bowlers. Kohli’s flick off Tushar Deshpande for a six over mid-wicket was among the standout shots. At 31 for three after three overs, rain interrupted proceedings. It was a brief delay, and thankfully, play resumed without overs being reduced.
Post-resumption, batting became tougher. CSK introduced their spinners, making life difficult for RCB’s batsmen by exploiting the turn and grip on the surface. In the two overs following the resumption, RCB could only add six runs amidst tight, turning deliveries. Du Plessis eased some pressure in the final powerplay over, hitting Mahesh Theekshana down the ground. Kohli too regained momentum, taking on spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner, hitting sixes over mid-wicket in the ninth and tenth overs, respectively. Kohli’s charge ended when he was caught at long-on by Daryl Mitchell off Santner’s bowling.
.
Du Plessis soon took control, reaching his half-century with a series of boundaries off Jadeja. Rajat Patidar, another in-form batter for RCB, chipped in with an aggressive six off Theekshana. However, du Plessis’s innings ended at 54 under bizarre circumstances when a drive from Patidar struck Santner’s hand on his follow-through and deflected onto the stumps, catching du Plessis short of his ground.
At 113 for three in 13 overs, RCB required a late surge. Patidar and Cameron Green orchestrated a critical partnership, adding 71 runs in just 28 balls, featuring some sensational hitting. Seven overs yielded towering scores, with only one dipping below 13 runs. Patidar scored 41 off 23 balls, while Green, unbeaten on 38 from 17, ensured the momentum stayed with RCB. Contributions from Dinesh Karthik (14 off six balls) and Glenn Maxwell (16 off five balls) propelled RCB to a massive total of 218, setting CSK a target of 201 to achieve qualification.
CSK’s chase began on a dramatic note. Ruturaj Gaikwad fell on the first ball, caught at short fine-leg by Yash Dayal off Glenn Maxwell. Struggles continued as CSK lost Mitchell in the third over to Dayal, reducing them to 19 for two.
Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane led a rebuilding effort, adding 66 runs off 41 balls through a mix of caution and aggression. With regular boundaries, they kept the required rate manageable until Rahane fell to Lockie Ferguson, caught by du Plessis after scoring 33.
Following this, RCB applied pressure, restricting boundary opportunities. Ravindra briefly alleviated the pressure with a flurry of boundaries in the 12th over, reaching his half-century.
Drama unfolded further as Shivam Dube survived a drop by Mohammad Siraj but saw Ravindra run-out due to a mix-up, departing for 61. Dube’s resistance was short-lived as he was caught off Ferguson, and Santner followed soon after, caught brilliantly by du Plessis.
With CSK requiring 71 from the last five overs, Dhoni joined Jadeja. Post-timeout, Jadeja signaled intent with a six, while his and Dhoni’s boundaries kept CSK in the hunt. They amassed 28 runs in two overs, closing in on the target.
Ferguson’s beamer began the penultimate over poorly, but Jadeja and Dhoni capitalized with boundaries. Jadeja’s six off the last ball left CSK needing 17 from the final over, but it wasn’t enough as Yash Dayal’s accurate bowling sealed RCB’s win, taking them into the playoffs in spectacular fashion. This thrilling contest highlighted the competitive spirit and spectacle of IPL cricket.