In a thrilling match that left cricket fans on the edge of their seats, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their playoff berth for the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The win was sealed in dramatic fashion, with the match boiling down to the final over where CSK needed 17 runs to qualify for the playoffs.
The scenario was intense as Yash Dayal ran in to bowl the last over. MS Dhoni started off strongly, hitting a massive 110m six off a full toss delivery. Hopes were high for CSK, but the second ball proved to be a turning point. Dhoni attempted to clear the square-leg, only to be caught in the deep. Following that, Shardul Thakur missed a short, slow delivery, and only managed to edge the next for a single, leaving Ravindra Jadeja with the daunting task of scoring 10 runs off the final two balls. Dayal showcased remarkable composure, delivering two slower balls that stymied Jadeja’s efforts, securing RCB’s place in the playoffs.
The encounter began with high stakes as CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting the equation that RCB needed not only a win but to do so by a margin of 18 runs or more. The Chinnaswamy Stadium, renowned for its high-scoring matches, lived up to its reputation although there was a moment in RCB’s innings when the 200-run mark seemed challenging to achieve.
Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis laid a solid foundation in the early overs, with Kohli notably flicking a delivery from Tushar Deshpande over mid-wicket for a six. RCB stood at 31 for three after three overs when rain interrupted the play briefly. Fortunately, it was just a passing shower and did not cause any reduction in overs.
Post-resumption, the pitch seemed more conducive to spinners. CSK capitalized on this, introducing their slow bowlers, and managed to restrict RCB to just six runs in two overs. Faf du Plessis eventually broke the chains with a boundary off Mahesh Theekshana in the last over of the powerplay. Kohli joined in, striking Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner for sixes over mid-wicket.
The resilience of CSK’s bowlers showed when Kohli was caught by Daryl Mitchell after hitting Santner for another six. Faf du Plessis continued his aggressive play, notching up his half-century with two sixes and a four off Jadeja.
. Despite du Plessis’ eventual run-out, RCB pressed on with Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green launching a fierce attack in the final overs. The duo amassed 71 runs in just 28 balls, pushing RCB’s total to an imposing 218. Contributions by Dinesh Karthik and Glenn Maxwell added the finishing touch, ensuring a formidable target for CSK.
CSK’s chase began on a shaky note with Ruturaj Gaikwad falling on the first delivery. Glenn Maxwell’s inclusion as an opening bowler proved effective. The early pressure was compounded with Dayal dismissing Daryl Mitchell in the third over, leaving CSK struggling at 19 for two.
A stabilizing partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane brought some hope to CSK. The pair added 66 runs off 41 balls, balancing caution with aggression to maintain the required run rate. However, Rahane’s dismissal by Lockie Ferguson at a critical juncture shifted the momentum back to RCB.
The subsequent overs saw RCB tightening the screws as CSK found it hard to accelerate. Ravindra’s half-century brought a glimmer of hope, but a mix-up with Shivam Dube resulted in his run-out, further denting CSK’s chase. Dube’s dismissal in the next over added to the mounting pressure.
The final overs brought the ultimate test. With 71 runs needed off the last five overs, the entrance of MS Dhoni reignited CSK’s hopes. Jadeja signaled CSK’s intent by hitting a six immediately post the strategic time-out. Despite a valiant effort that included boundaries off Ferguson in the penultimate over, CSK remained 35 runs short.
Jadeja’s unbeaten innings and Dhoni’s powerful start to the final over were overshadowed by Yash Dayal’s exceptional death bowling, ensuring RCB’s thrilling victory. This match will be remembered for its high stakes, dramatic turns, and the nerve-wracking final over that confirmed RCB’s playoff qualification.