In a high-octane clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) showcased a brilliant all-round performance to secure a four-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This victory propels RR into Qualifier 2, where they are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
The contest began with RR winning the toss and opting to field first. RCB’s innings hinted at a substantial total, but the inability of their batsmen to convert promising starts into significant scores allowed RR’s bowlers to maintain control and chip away at regular intervals, arresting any momentum that RCB sought to build.
Trent Boult spearheaded the bowling attack with an impressive opening spell, conceding only six runs in his three overs, and claiming the vital wicket of RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, who managed just 17 runs. Although runs came more freely from Sandeep Sharma, who gave away 12 runs in the second over, the introduction of Avesh Khan saw Virat Kohli dispatch him for a six, suggesting an impending onslaught.
However, Boult soon dismissed du Plessis in the fifth over with a strategic delivery, resulting in a catch by Rovman Powell. Cameron Green came in at No. 3, and alongside Kohli, managed respectable 50 runs by the end of the powerplay, with both players looking to anchor the innings. Yuzvendra Chahal then orchestrated a crucial breakthrough in the eighth over as Kohli, seeking to increase the run rate, holed out for 33 – a pivotal moment that tilted the game in RR’s favor.
A tense, back-and-forth battle ensued, although Green managed some aggression, targeting Chahal, while Rajat Patidar took a more subdued approach initially. R Ashwin’s tight middle-over bowling exerted further pressure on RCB’s batsmen, resulting in Green eventually succumbing to a shot aimed at cover, caught by Powell for 27. This dismissal was immediately followed by Glenn Maxwell’s exit, further weakening RCB’s position to 97 for four by the 13th over.
The dynamic then shifted as Patidar regained form, hitting two sixes quickly but was dismissed by Avesh Khan in the 15th over after making 34 runs. Dinesh Karthik’s entry brought anticipation, although he faced an immediate leg-before wicket appeal, overturned by the third umpire.
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In the final overs, Mahipal Lomror infused some aggression to RCB’s innings, scoring 32 off 17 balls, pushing the team beyond the 160 mark. Contributions from Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma in the last over helped RCB post a competitive total of 172.
As RR commenced their chase, RCB’s bowlers capitalized on the pitch’s early assistance, restricting openers for the first two overs. Yashaswi Jaiswal broke free in the third over, hitting four boundaries off Yash Dayal. A partnership of 46 runs was established before Lockie Ferguson bowled a deceptive slower ball to dismiss Tom Kohler-Cadmore for 20 in the fifth over.
Jaiswal and Sanju Samson maintained the required rate, finding boundaries as needed. Approaching the halfway mark, Jaiswal, on the verge of a significant score, was caught behind attempting a scoop off Green. Samson later fell to a stumping off Karn Sharma, leaving RR needing decisive contributions from the lower order.
The pivotal moment came when Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer, RR’s Impact Player, joined forces. Despite a nervy moment when Dhruv Jurel was run-out thanks to Kohli’s sharp fielding, Parag and Hetmyer steadied the chase with a calculated assault. As the equation narrowed to 48 runs required in the last five overs, Hetmyer’s six off Green steadied the ship. Parag followed suit with a lifted six and a timely four, putting RR in command.
Even though Mohammed Siraj managed to dismiss both Parag (36 off 26 balls) and Hetmyer (quickfire 26 off 14 balls), the remaining runs were within reach. Rovman Powell ensured a composed finish, sealing the victory for RR with two boundaries and a six in the penultimate over.
This commendable performance sends RR to Chennai, ready to face KKR in Qualifier 2, as their campaign to lift the IPL trophy continues with gusto.