Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their spot in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs following a nail-biting 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The playoff berth was secured only in the final over, as CSK needed 17 runs to confirm their own qualification. Yash Dayal bowled a full toss on the first delivery, which was dispatched by MS Dhoni for a massive 110m six over fine-leg. The tension mounted as Dhoni attempted a big shot on the following slower ball, only to be caught in the deep, crushing CSK’s hopes.
The suspense built further as Shardul Thakur missed Dayal’s slow, short third ball. He did manage an outside edge for a single, leaving Ravindra Jadeja with the daunting task of scoring 10 runs off the remaining two deliveries. Dayal, showcasing nerves of steel, bowled two perfect slower deliveries, effectively shutting CSK and Jadeja down and propelling RCB into the playoffs.
This thrilling contest was befitting the fierce rivalry between these two IPL heavyweights, especially on a day when their tournament fates were intertwined. The virtual knockout began with CSK winning the toss and opting to field. This action set the task for RCB: to post a score which they needed to defend with an 18-run margin to ensure their progression.
Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for high-scoring encounters, witnessed yet another batting spectacle, albeit after a brief interruption due to rain that prolonged RCB’s innings recovery phase. Initially, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis seized the initiative in the powerplay, with Kohli’s authoritative flick for a six over mid-wicket off Tushar Deshpande standing out. RCB scored 31 for three within three overs when a sudden downpour halted proceedings. The delay, however, was brief, and play resumed without any reduction in overs, much to the delight of cricket aficionados.
The post-rain conditions seemed less conducive for batting, as evidenced by RCB’s struggle to score just six runs in the two overs immediately after the resumption. CSK’s spinners, noticing the ball gripping and turning, posed significant challenges. Du Plessis managed to break the restraints by driving Mahesh Theekshana down the ground in the last over of the powerplay. Kohli responded by hitting Ravindra Jadeja for a six in the ninth over and following it up with another off Mitchell Santner in the 10th, though he fell to a well-timed catch by Daryl Mitchell.
Faf du Plessis, demonstrating excellent batting form, continued to challenge the bowlers, hitting Jadeja for two sixes and a four to complete his half-century.
. Rajat Patidar joined the fray, initially smashing Theekshana for a six before du Plessis was unfortunately run-out following a deflection off Santner’s hand, reducing RCB to a precarious 113 for three after 13 overs.
An explosive partnership between Patidar and Cameron Green reenergized RCB’s innings, accumulating 71 runs from just 28 balls. The duo’s aggressive batting ensured only one of the final seven overs yielded fewer than 13 runs. Patidar contributed 41 off 23 balls, while Green remained unbeaten with 38 off 17. Quick-fire cameos from Dinesh Karthik (14 off six) and Glenn Maxwell (16 off five) helped RCB cross the 200-mark, setting a daunting target of 201 runs for CSK.
CSK’s chase began on a rocky note, with Ruturaj Gaikwad being caught by Yash Dayal at short fine-leg off the first ball. Glenn Maxwell opened RCB’s bowling attack, building on the early momentum. CSK encountered further trouble when Dayal struck again in the third over, dismissing Daryl Mitchell to leave CSK struggling at 19 for two.
In a bid to stabilize the innings, Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane built a crucial partnership, mixing caution with aggressive strokes to add 66 off 41 balls. They ensured a steady flow of boundaries to keep the required rate manageable. Rahane departed for 33 after Lockie Ferguson induced a catch, giving RCB an opportunity to tighten their grip on the match.
Despite losing their key players, Ravindra’s half-century and steady scoring kept CSK’s hopes alive. The pressure, however, was evident as fielding lapses and a run-out blighted CSK’s chase. Ravindra was especially prolific, but a misunderstanding with Shivam Dube led to his run-out for 61, and Dube himself fell shortly after.
Jadeja and Dhoni, now tasked with rescuing the chase, faced an uphill battle. With 71 needed from the final five overs, Jadeja started aggressively post timeout, striking vital boundaries. The penultimate over bowled by Ferguson saw CSK inch closer, but their momentum was thwarted by a disciplined final over from Dayal. Jadeja and Dhoni’s valiant efforts fell short, concluding a dramatic and fiercely contested match that confirmed RCB’s place in the playoffs while dashing CSK’s playoff aspirations.