In an exhilarating match of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged victorious by four wickets against Gujarat Titans (GT). A potent mix of disciplined bowling and aggressive batting paved the way for this significant win, leaving GT struggling at just 147 runs. RCB’s chase saw early dominance faded by some tense moments, yet they managed to clinch the victory comfortably to take home the much-coveted two points.
The day began with RCB winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision that soon paid dividends on a pitch tailor-made for bowlers. RCB’s opening bowlers utilized the conditions effectively, delivering consistent performances that left GT reeling. By the end of the powerplay, GT was crawling at 23 for three – registering the lowest powerplay score in TATA IPL 2024. This phase epitomized the excellence of RCB’s bowling unit.
GT’s struggles during the powerplay were evident as they managed just two boundaries. RCB initiated their bowling attack with Swapnil Singh, a left-arm spinner, before switching to a pace-dominated approach for the next seven overs. Mohammad Siraj emerged as the star performer, claiming crucial wickets including Wriddhiman Saha, who edged one to the keeper, and Shubman Gill, whose top-edge resulted in a catch on the off-side. Capricorn Green also chimed in by dismissing Sai Sudharsan, GT’s lead run-scorer of the season, in the final powerplay over.
In a bid to stabilize the innings, GT found some respite through a partnership between David Miller and Shahrukh Khan. Their sensible yet aggressive play resulted in adding 61 runs off 37 balls, raising hopes for GT. The partnership saw Miller launching the first six of the match in the 10th over and Shahrukh replicating the feat shortly after. Miller’s innings, however, ended at 30 runs when he was caught at long-on, followed by Shahrukh’s run-out by a splendid direct hit from Virat Kohli, reducing GT to 87 for five by the 13th over.
Subsequently, Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia attempted a counter-attack. Tewatia particularly took charge in the 16th over, slashing 19 runs off Karn Sharma with a series of boundaries and a six. Rashid supported the momentum by hitting two boundaries and a six in his brief but striking cameo of 18 runs.
. The GT innings concluded with Vijay Shankar stepping in as the impact substitute, but three wickets in the final over meant GT were bowled out for a mere 147 runs.
RCB’s chase started on a blisteringly positive note with captain Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli exhibiting aggressive intent from the outset. Kohli’s six in the first over foreshadowed RCB’s strategy, followed by du Plessis taking on Joshua Little with 20 runs in the second over. The attacking spree continued as du Plessis decimated the GT bowlers, scoring boundaries at ease, including a six off debutant Manav Suthar. Du Plessis’s brisk fifty came off just 18 balls, establishing a solid foundation for RCB.
Kohli, too, joined the onslaught, hitting back-to-back sixes off Suthar and witnessing du Plessis’s exceptional innings from the best seat in the house. The powerplay ended with du Plessis’s dismissal for a scintillating 64 runs off 23 balls. With a commanding 92 runs at the end of six overs, RCB were in a robust position to grasp victory.
However, the game took an unexpected turn as GT clawed their way back into contention. Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little played pivotal roles, taking crucial wickets at decisive moments. Noor dismissed Jacks early in the seventh over, followed by Little claiming Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession. As momentum shifted, Green’s dismissal brought further jitters into the RCB dugout. Real tension surfaced in the 11th over when Kohli, having contributed 42 runs, edged one off Noor to Saha, reducing RCB to 117 for six.
Despite the flurry of wickets and mounting pressure, experienced campaigner Dinesh Karthik steered RCB out of trouble. His composed innings, coupled with support from Swapnil Singh, guided RCB to victory in the 14th over, securing a critical win and valuable points in the standings.
The match, a mix of thrilling highs and nerve-racking moments, showcased cricket’s unpredictability and RCB’s resilience. This result fortifies RCB’s position and promises more excitement as TATA IPL 2024 progresses.