In the IPL 2024 Eliminator, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced Rajasthan Royals (RR). RCB came into the match with six consecutive wins, while RR had five winless games. However, the notion of momentum in T20 cricket is often misleading. Winning the toss proved crucial for RR, as their bowlers restricted RCB to 172 runs, a modest total at a venue favoring chasers due to dew.
RR’s bowlers exploited the asymmetrical boundaries at Ahmedabad brilliantly. RCB struggled from one end, scoring only 51 for 6 in odd-numbered overs, while they amassed 121 for 2 from the other. RR’s best bowlers, Trent Boult, R Ashwin, and Avesh Khan, dominated from the advantageous end.
Boult’s opening spell was precise, conceding just six runs in three overs and dismissing RCB captain Faf du Plessis. Virat Kohli initially looked threatening, reaching 30 off 19 balls by the powerplay’s end. However, Kohli fell to a slog-sweep, caught on the boundary, a shot that had revived his form this season.
Ashwin’s crafty bowling, supported by favorable conditions and timely wickets, stifled RCB’s momentum. His four overs yielded the crucial scalps of Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell. Despite expensive overs from Chahal and Avesh’s struggle, Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror’s contributions helped RCB reach 172.
RR’s chase began with two dropped chances, but their openers capitalized, racing to 45 without loss in five overs. Lockie Ferguson’s disciplined over and Green’s hard lengths pegged back RR, with Green dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and aiding in a crucial run-out.
Sanju Samson’s dismissal further dented RR’s progress, leaving them needing 58 off 36 balls with four wickets down. Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag then targeted a big over off Green, reducing the target significantly. Hetmyer’s boundaries off Dayal brought the equation to 19 off 18 balls.
A final twist saw Siraj dismiss Parag and induce a miscue from Hetmyer, leaving Rajasthan needing 13 from 12 balls with two new batters. Rovman Powell sealed the win with a pair of edged fours off Ferguson and a decisive straight six, leading Rajasthan to victory with an over to spare.
RR advanced to Qualifier 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai, while RCB, despite their strong season, ended another year without a trophy. The game highlighted the strategic nuances of T20 cricket, particularly how teams adapt to conditions and boundary dimensions.
Follow for more.
Leave feedback about this