Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs with a nerve-wracking 27-run triumph over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match culminated in a heart-stopping final over where CSK needed 17 runs to clinch their playoff berth. RCB’s Yash Dayal stepped up to deliver the over that would determine the fate of both teams.
The drama began with Dayal delivering a full toss at the very first ball, which MS Dhoni capitalized on, sending it soaring over fine-leg for a monstrous 110-meter six. The next delivery, a slower one, saw Dhoni attempting to replicate his previous heroics but ending up caught in the deep. Amid mounting tension, Shardul Thakur missed a short and slow ball, managing only a single off the next. This left Ravindra Jadeja with the monumental task of scoring 10 runs off the last two balls, a challenge he had conquered in the 2023 final. However, Dayal’s composed slower deliveries denied CSK their desired runs, propelling RCB into the playoffs. The fitting conclusion to the contest between these long-established rivals left fans both exhilarated and breathless, showcasing the essence of IPL cricket.
The day began with a sense of anticipation as CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first in what essentially served as a knockout fixture. To qualify, CSK knew they had to restrict RCB to a score that would require an uphill chase of 201 runs. The historically high-scoring pitch at Chinnaswamy Stadium promised a feast of runs, but RCB’s task was to set a formidable total.
Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis spearheaded RCB’s assault in the early overs. The highlight of Kohli’s innings was an exquisite flick off Tushar Deshpande that sailed over mid-wicket for a six. The duo managed to post 31 for three at the conclusion of three overs when an unexpected downpour temporarily halted proceedings. Fortunately, the interruption was brief, and play resumed without any reduction in overs.
Post resumption, batting conditions appeared more challenging. CSK brought in their spinners, exploiting signs of grip and turn on the ball. Over the two following overs, RCB managed a meager six runs, with multiple deliveries evading the batters. Du Plessis, however, broke the shackles in the powerplay’s last over with a straight hit down the ground off Mahesh Theekshana, rekindling the momentum. Kohli joined the party, smashing Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner over mid-wicket for sixes in successive overs. But Kohli’s aggression was short-lived as he departed trying for another maximum, caught brilliantly by Daryl Mitchell at long-on.
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With Du Plessis continuing to anchor the innings, he unleashed a flurry of boundaries off Jadeja to reach his fifty. Rajat Patidar, another of RCB’s in-form players, joined the fray with an early six in his innings. However, an unfortunate run-out saw Du Plessis, backing up at the non-striker’s end, dismissed for a well-made 54 after a drive by Patidar deflected off Santner’s follow-through onto the stumps. At 113 for three in 13 overs, RCB needed a brisk finish to surpass 200.
Patidar and Cameron Green provided the late blitz, adding 71 runs off just 28 balls. Their partnership turned the tide, with only one of the last seven overs conceding less than 13 runs. Patidar’s 41 off 23 balls and Green’s unbeaten 38 off 17 balls were instrumental, supplemented by useful cameos from Dinesh Karthik and Glenn Maxwell. RCB soared to an imposing 218, setting CSK a daunting target of 201 to qualify.
CSK’s chase faced immediate setbacks. Ruturaj Gaikwad fell on the very first ball, caught by Yash Dayal at short fine-leg off Glenn Maxwell. The struggle continued as Mitchell was dismissed in the third over, caught at mid-off, leaving CSK reeling at 19 for two.
Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane commenced a recovery mission, their partnership balancing caution with aggression and producing 66 runs off 41 balls. Regular boundaries kept the required run rate within reach, and they advanced to 85 for two in nine overs when Lockie Ferguson was introduced. Rahane, however, fell to du Plessis off Ferguson’s first ball, caught high in the air.
Capitalizing on the breakthrough, RCB stifled CSK’s scoring rate over the subsequent overs. Ravindra hit Ferguson for a four and two sixes in the 12th over, reaching his half-century and mitigating some pressure. The subsequent overs were laden with drama as Shivam Dube was dropped by Mohammad Siraj, only for Ravindra to be run-out shortly after due to a mix-up with Dube.
With Dube dismissed in the next over and Santner perishing to a stunning catch by du Plessis, CSK’s prospects dimmed further. Enter MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, with CSK needing 71 runs off the last five overs. A brief resurgence followed during the final overs, but Dayal’s heroics in the last over ensured RCB emerged victorious.
This match epitomized the thrill and unpredictability of the IPL, underlining cricket’s ability to produce moments of extraordinary intensity and excitement.