Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured their place in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs, following a gripping 27-run triumph over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match reached a fever pitch in the final over as CSK needed 17 runs to ensure their own playoff berth. Yash Dayal, tasked with the critical over, delivered a nail-biting performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last ball.
The drama began with MS Dhoni, a legend in his own right, at the crease. Dayal’s first delivery was a full toss, which Dhoni capitalized on by sending it soaring over fine-leg for a monstrous 110-meter six. Tension rippled through the stadium as the second ball was delivered; it was slower and pitched well, prompting Dhoni to attempt another smash. This time, however, he only managed to send it high, and the fielder stationed in the deep took a straightforward catch, tilting the balance back in RCB’s favor.
The following deliveries were equally intense. Shardul Thakur missed the third ball, a short and slow delivery. Scrambling for runs, he managed to eke out a single with an outside edge to short third man, leaving Ravindra Jadeja to face the daunting task of scoring 10 off the last two balls. Dayal, incredibly composed under pressure, bowled two superb slower balls to seal RCB’s victory and assure their advance to the playoffs. The encounter was a fitting climax for a day when the fortunes of both sides hung precariously in the balance.
In a match that was essentially a knockout, CSK’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss established the requirement that they would need to surpass RCB’s total by 18 runs to qualify. The Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch, known for yielding high scores, stayed true to its reputation. Initially, it seemed like RCB might not reach 200, but the circumstances changed rapidly.
RCB’s innings was set into motion by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, who took an aggressive stance in the early overs. Kohli showcased his skill with a stunning flick shot over mid-wicket off Tushar Deshpande for a six. By the end of three overs, RCB had notched up 31 runs but then rain briefly halted proceedings. Fortunately for the fans, it was merely a passing shower, and play resumed without any reduction in overs.
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Post-resumption, batting conditions appeared more challenging as CSK introduced their spinners, and the ball began to show signs of grip and turn. In the two overs following the rain delay, RCB could only manage six runs, with du Plessis breaking the shackles in the final over of the powerplay. He hit a decisive down-the-ground shot off Mahesh Theekshana, and Kohli followed suit, striking a six off Ravindra Jadeja in the ninth over. Kohli’s momentum continued into the 10th over, hitting another six off Mitchell Santner, before succumbing to Daryl Mitchell’s catch at long-on.
Du Plessis, holding the fort, compiled a steady half-century before being run-out in a freak accident. With RCB at 113 for three in the 13th over, it seemed they needed an explosive finish to reach a competitive total. Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green stepped up, propelling RCB to 218 with a scintillating partnership. Patidar’s quickfire 41 and Green’s unbeaten 38 off just 17 balls, supported by cameos from Dinesh Karthik and Glenn Maxwell, ensured RCB crossed the 200 mark.
CSK’s chase began on a somber note with Ruturaj Gaikwad falling on the first ball, caught by Yash Dayal at short fine-leg. Glenn Maxwell, surprisingly brought in to bowl the opening over, capitalized on the initial pressure, and CSK quickly found themselves at 19 for two.
Efforts to rebuild came through Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane, whose partnership added a much-needed 66 runs. They kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries, but Rahane’s departure in the ninth over opened the door for RCB once again.
As RCB cranked up the pressure, CSK experienced a few more setbacks. Shivam Dube was dropped by Mohammad Siraj and was soon run-out. Santner’s spectacular catch in the 15th over further compounded CSK’s woes, leaving them needing 71 runs from the final five overs.
MS Dhoni’s entry in the death overs alongside Jadeja sparked hope. Jadeja targeted Siraj for a six and four, narrowing the equation. However, any further effort proved insufficient as Ferguson’s penultimate over left CSK with too much to do. Jadeja’s valiant six off the final ball signified a thrilling conclusion to an already gripping match, but it was RCB who emerged victorious, securing their place in the playoffs and leaving CSK to ponder what might have been.