In an exciting IPL 2024 clash in Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs, securing a playoff spot and eliminating CSK from the tournament. The match was an emotional rollercoaster, with Virat Kohli nearly in tears, Faf du Plessis jubilant, and MS Dhoni notably absent post-game.
Batting first, RCB posted a formidable 218 for 5. Kohli (47) and du Plessis (54) provided strong starts, followed by crucial contributions from Rajat Patidar (41) and Cameron Green (38). RCB needed to win by at least 18 runs to advance, and they set the stage with a high total.
CSK’s chase was intense but ultimately fell short, ending at 191 for 7. The final over, bowled by Yash Dayal, was pivotal. Needing 10 runs off the last two balls, Ravindra Jadeja, despite hitting a six earlier, couldn’t secure the win. Dayal, who had earlier dismissed Dhoni with a slower ball, held his nerve to clinch the victory.
The match began with RCB striking early; Glenn Maxwell dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad on his first ball, and Dayal soon removed Daryl Mitchell. Rachin Ravindra led CSK’s powerplay charge with 61 off 31 balls, partnering with Ajinkya Rahane in a 66-run stand off 41 balls. Ravindra’s aggressive batting, especially against Maxwell and Siraj, kept CSK competitive until a run out with Shivam Dube proved costly.
Dew on the field made it challenging for RCB to bowl spin, aiding Jadeja who quickly hit his stride with sixes off Dayal, Siraj, and Lockie Ferguson. Despite Jadeja’s 42* and Dhoni’s brisk 25 off 13 balls, CSK couldn’t close the gap. The middle overs were decisive: RCB scored 113 runs, losing just two wickets between overs 7 to 16, while CSK managed only 80 runs and lost four wickets in the same phase.
A highlight was du Plessis’ brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss Mitchell Santner, triggering CSK’s collapse from 115 for 3 to 129 for 6 in 13 balls. This forced Dhoni to bat earlier than usual, but his late effort wasn’t enough to save the game.
RCB’s strategic middle overs batting, with Patidar and Green leading the charge, set them up for a high total. In contrast, CSK’s failure to capitalize during the same period led to their downfall, despite a determined lower-order effort. This win marked a significant milestone in RCB’s IPL 2024 campaign, propelling them into the playoffs.
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