In a high-stakes encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged victorious over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), booking their spot in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. The riveting clash saw RCB clinch a 27-run win, with the game hanging in the balance until the last over. CSK, needing 17 runs to ensure their playoff berth, found themselves up against a resolute Yash Dayal. The drama began with a full toss delivery from Dayal, which MS Dhoni launched over fine-leg for a massive 110m six. However, Dhoni’s departure soon after, as he was caught at deep square-leg, turned the momentum back in RCB’s favor.
As the nail-biting finish unfolded, Shardul Thakur’s dismissal ratcheted up the pressure, leaving Ravindra Jadeja with the daunting task of scoring 10 runs off the final two balls. Dayal kept his cool, executing two excellent slower balls that ensured CSK fell short, while propelling RCB into the playoffs. Given the stakes, it was only fitting that these longstanding rivals delivered such an exhilarating spectacle.
CSK, having opted to bowl first after winning the toss, set up the challenge that RCB needed a decisive 18-run win to progress. Known for its high-scoring matches, the Chinnaswamy Stadium once again lived up to its reputation. However, for a stretch during RCB’s innings, reaching a 200-run target appeared uncertain.
In an explosive start, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis went on the offensive, showcasing immense aggression in the opening overs. A standout moment came when Kohli, attacking Tushar Deshpande, flicked the ball over mid-wicket for a six. Rain briefly interrupted play, bringing a temporary halt without any overs lost. Upon resumption, batting became challenging as CSK unleashed their spinners on a pitch that offered grip and turn. The change was telling, as RCB could only muster six runs in the two overs following the pause.
Du Plessis broke free of the constraints in the final over of the powerplay, dispatching Mahesh Theekshana down the ground for a boundary. Kohli found renewed energy as he counterattacked against spin threats like Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner. In the ninth over, Kohli elevated the ball over mid-wicket for a six off Jadeja, and repeated the feat against Santner in the tenth over, before being caught by Daryl Mitchell at long-on.
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Du Plessis continued to accelerate, striking two sixes and a four against Jadeja to reach his half-century. Rajat Patidar, another in-form RCB batsman, joined the fray, hitting Theekshana for a six early in his innings. However, du Plessis was run-out for 54 due to an unfortunate deflection off Patidar’s drive, leaving RCB at 113 for three from 13 overs, and in need of a formidable finish.
What followed was a blistering partnership between Patidar and Cameron Green, accumulating 71 runs in just 28 balls. Their aggressive batting swung momentum, with six of the last seven overs costing CSK over 13 runs each. Patidar’s 41 off 23 balls and Green’s unbeaten 38 off 17 balls further propelled RCB. Late fireworks from Dinesh Karthik (14 off six) and Glenn Maxwell (16 off five) pushed the total to 218, setting CSK a target of 201 to qualify.
CSK’s reply started dramatically, losing Ruturaj Gaikwad to the first ball caught by Yash Dayal. Glenn Maxwell’s introduction stifled CSK’s early progress. The loss of Mitchell soon after, edging to mid-off, left CSK struggling at 19 for two.
A pivotal partnership emerged between Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane, steadying the innings with a cautious but brisk approach that yielded 66 runs off 41 balls. Their alliance maintained the required run rate before RCB’s Lockie Ferguson stepped in. His first delivery saw Rahane skying a catch to du Plessis at 33, providing RCB an opportunity to tighten their grip on the game.
CSK’s innings saw further turmoil as Shivam Dube was caught following a drop by Siraj, and a mix-up led to Ravindra’s run-out at a crucial juncture. Dube succumbed in the next over, striking Ferguson to long-on. Mitchell Santner’s adventurous shot tasked du Plessis with an acrobatic one-handed catch, adding to CSK’s woes.
With 71 needed from the last five overs, CSK relied on Jadeja and Dhoni to resuscitate their chase. The latter overs saw some valiant efforts, particularly from Jadeja, who reached for the big hits to bring CSK back into contention. However, the calm composure of Yash Dayal and timely dismissals were enough to deflate CSK’s hopes, ending their campaign as RCB proceeded gleefully into the playoffs amidst home cheers.