In an electrifying match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a nail-biting encounter. This triumph secured RCB’s spot in the playoffs of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, marking a significant achievement for the team in this season’s campaign.
As the match came down to a dramatic last over, CSK needed 17 runs to ensure their qualification for the playoffs. Yash Dayal, handed the ball for the crucial final over, faced the legendary MS Dhoni, who immediately smashed a 110-meter six off a full toss. The intensity in the stadium soared, but Dayal responded with a slower delivery that Dhoni mistimed to square-leg, resulting in a catch in the deep.
The pressure mounted on Shardul Thakur, who missed the subsequent delivery, a short and slow ball. He managed a single off the next ball, handing Ravindra Jadeja the task of scoring 10 runs off the last two balls. Dayal exhibited nerves of steel, delivering two smart slower balls that thwarted CSK’s chase and propelled RCB into the playoffs. This closely contested match was a fitting battle between two fierce rivals, each grappling for playoff qualification on the final day.
CSK had chosen to bowl first after winning the toss, setting up a scenario where they needed to limit RCB to a total that would allow them to win by a margin of 18 runs or more. The batting-friendly pitch of Chinnaswamy Stadium hinted at another high-scoring affair. RCB’s innings began with a bang as Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis aggressively attacked the bowlers. A standout moment was Kohli’s elegant flick off Tushar Deshpande for a six over mid-wicket. The aggressive start saw RCB at 31 for three within three overs when rain temporarily halted play. Thankfully, it was a brief interruption, and play resumed without any reduction in overs.
Post-resumption, batting conditions seemed to toughen. CSK’s spinners exploited the slight turn and grip from the surface, restricting RCB to just six runs in the two overs following the rain break. Du Plessis and Kohli tried to break free, with du Plessis hitting Mahesh Theekshana down the ground for a four, and Kohli smashing Jadeja for a six over mid-wicket. However, RCB faced another setback when Kohli was caught at long-on after hitting Mitchell Santner for a six.
Du Plessis continued his onslaught, striking two sixes and a four off Jadeja, reaching his half-century. Rajat Patidar, another in-form RCB batsman, joined the aggressive spree with a six off Theekshana. But du Plessis’s innings ended controversially; a drive by Patidar ricocheted off Santner’s hand onto the stumps, running du Plessis out at the non-striker’s end for 54.
. RCB were 113 for three in 13 overs, signaling a need for acceleration in the death overs.
The innings’ defining moment came with a rapid 71-run stand between Patidar and Cameron Green, who added these runs in just 28 balls. This partnership dramatically lifted the scoring rate, ensuring only one of the last seven overs produced less than 13 runs. Patidar scored 41 off 23 balls while Green remained unbeaten on 38 off 17. Contributions from Dinesh Karthik (14 off six) and Glenn Maxwell (16 off five) further bolstered RCB, propelling them to a formidable total of 218. CSK, aiming for 201 to qualify, faced a steep challenge.
CSK’s chase began on a tumultuous note, losing Ruturaj Gaikwad on the very first ball, caught by Dayal. Glenn Maxwell, entrusted with the opening over, capitalized on this early breakthrough. Further trouble ensued for CSK as they lost their second wicket in the third over, with Mitchell caught at mid-off, leaving them reeling at 19 for two.
Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane embarked on a rebuilding effort, mixing caution with aggression as they compiled a vital 66-run partnership off 41 balls. Their timely boundaries kept the required run rate in check. However, this recovering ship took a hit as Lockie Ferguson’s introduction led to Rahane’s dismissal for 33.
RCB seized the opportunity to increase pressure, reducing boundary chances in the subsequent overs. Ravindra temporarily alleviated the pressure with a quick fifty, but the drama heightened following his milestone.
Shivam Dube’s reprieve, dropped by Mohammad Siraj in the 13th over, proved inconsequential as Ravindra was run out soon after, following a mix-up with Dube. Dube’s struggle ended in the next over, handing a catch to Ferguson. With Santner’s fall to a spectacular catch by du Plessis, CSK’s hope dimmed further, needing 71 off the last five overs when Dhoni joined Jadeja.
Post time-out, Jadeja signaled intent with a six, contributing to pivotal strides in the chase. Following overs saw 13 and 15 runs, largely attributed to Jadeja’s aggression against Siraj. Ferguson’s penultimate over featured a no-ball and a few crucial boundaries, setting the stage for a heart-stopping finish.
Ultimately, Yash Dayal’s final-over heroics clinched the win for RCB, denying CSK the runs needed and ensuring RCB’s playoff qualification on a thrilling note.