Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
May 22, 2024
A brilliant all-round performance propelled Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This win secured RR’s spot in Qualifier 2, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.
In the RCB vs RR clash, RR won the toss and opted to bowl first. RCB’s innings initially hinted at a larger total, with several batters getting starts but failing to convert them into significant scores. When RCB appeared to build momentum, RR’s bowlers stepped up to take crucial wickets and disrupt their progress.
Trent Boult set the tone for Rajasthan Royals in the RCB vs RR encounter with a fantastic spell, conceding only six runs in his three overs while also claiming the wicket of Faf du Plessis for 17.
At the other end, runs flowed freely as Sandeep Sharma conceded 12 runs in the second over. Avesh Khan was introduced in the fourth over but was welcomed with a six from Virat Kohli, who pulled the ball with authority. In the fifth over, Boult dismissed Faf du Plessis, who attempted a shot over mid-wicket, resulting in a superb diving catch by Rovman Powell.
In the RCB vs RR match, Cameron Green came in at No. 3, ahead of Rajat Patidar. RCB finished the powerplay at 50 for one. Yuzvendra Chahal was brought on in the eighth over, and to accelerate the run rate, Kohli holed out to mid-wicket for 33, marking a significant breakthrough for RR. The subsequent overs showcased a see-saw battle, with Green attacking Chahal while Patidar took his time to settle in.
Meanwhile, R Ashwin bowled a vital spell during the middle overs, successfully controlling the run rate from his end. This pressure forced the RCB batters to take unnecessary risks. Patidar received a lifeline when he was dropped by the long-on fielder while running in. However, with a score of 27 off 21 balls, Powell caught Green at cover in the 13th over. On the next delivery, Glenn Maxwell also found himself caught at long-on, leaving RCB at 97 for four in 13 overs during the intense RCB vs RR contest.
Patidar quickly found his rhythm, smashing two sixes within the next seven balls. However, Avesh Khan secured the breakthrough as Patidar holed out to mid-off for 34 in the 15th over. Dinesh Karthik then stepped up, and on his very first ball, he faced a loud leg-before appeal. The on-field decision of out was overturned by the third umpire.
In the slog overs, Mahipal Lomror’s aggressive batting was crucial in helping RCB reach their eventual score. He faced 17 balls for 32 runs, ensuring they surpassed the 160 mark. In the final over, Swapnil Singh and Karn Sharma contributed a couple of boundaries, pushing the total to 172.
As RR began their run-chase in the RCB vs RR match, the bowlers benefited from the pitch, keeping the batters quiet during the first two overs. Yashaswi Jaiswal broke the shackles in the third over, hitting four fours off Yash Dayal, one of which was a difficult chance dropped at first slip. The RR openers gained momentum, adding 46 runs together. Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally got their first breakthrough in the fifth over when Lockie Ferguson bowled a superb slower ball to castle Tom Kohler-Cadmore for 20. This match continued to showcase the competitive spirit of RCB vs RR.
Sanju Samson and Jaiswal maintained the required run rate and quickly found the boundaries. As Jaiswal approached the 40s, he attempted to scoop Cameron Green but ended up edging the ball to the wicketkeeper. Shortly after, Samson charged down the pitch to Karn Sharma but was stumped off a wide delivery for 17.
With the pressure on, Riyan Parag took on the responsibility of leading the run-chase. Despite a moment of tension when Dhruv Jurel was brilliantly run out due to a throw from Virat Kohli, Parag remained composed and partnered with Shimron Hetmyer, the Impact Player, to execute a calculated attack on the bowlers.
As the RCB vs RR match progressed, RR needed 48 runs with five overs remaining. Hetmyer launched a six over long-on off Green’s first ball, while Parag lofted another six over cover and guided one through third man for four. This put the match firmly in RR’s control, as the required rate became less of a concern. Hetmyer’s contribution was vital; returning to action after a break, he absorbed the pressure with his vast experience when his team needed it most.
Although Mohammed Siraj dismissed Parag (36 off 26) and Hetmyer (26 off 14), the equation shifted to a manageable run-a-ball. Rovman Powell ensured no further hiccups. He stylishly finished the match with two fours and a six, securing victory for RR in the penultimate over of this exciting RCB vs RR, quickly hitting multiple sixes.
Get behind your team! Show your passionate support on our website.