In a gritty display on Wednesday, the Rajasthan Royals knocked Royal Challengers Bengaluru out of the 2024 IPL with a four-wicket win in the Eliminator. After a disciplined bowling effort limited RCB to 172/8, the match swung back and forth as RR's middle-order struggle allowed RCB to stay competitive. Ultimately, the 2008 champions prevailed with an over to spare, snapping a poor run of four defeats and one abandoned match. RR now head to Chennai on Friday to battle Sunrisers Hyderabad for a spot in the IPL Final.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) roller coaster run in the 2024 IPL with a gritty four-wicket victory in the Eliminator on Wednesday. After their bowlers did an excellent job of keeping RCB to 172/8, RR batters stalled in the middle overs, allowing RCB to re-enter the battle, which remained tied for the entire second half, but the 2008 champions eventually won the match with an over to spare. It was the Royals’ first victory following four losses and an abandoned game. The Royals will meet Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Friday for a spot in the IPL Final.
Chasing a target of 173, RR crossed the line at 174/6, thanks to a quick-fire 16* from Rovman Powell in a chaotic finale. Riyan Parag played a pivotal role with 36 runs, demonstrating the same resilience he's shown all season to ensure RR stayed in the tournament. Additionally, the returning Shimron Hetmyer provided a much-needed boost, scoring a rapid 26 off 14 balls.
The chase got off to a great start thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who led the scoring with 45 runs to give RR an early advantage, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore added 20. For RCB, Mohammed Siraj managed to take two wickets, but the rest of the bowling attack failed to create enough pressure.
The first half of the game was dominated by Trent Boult, who delivered a brilliant opening spell and removed Faf du Plessis for 17. The pressure mounted when Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed the dangerous Virat Kohli for 33. RCB's situation worsened in the 13th over when Ravichandran Ashwin tore through the middle order, claiming both Cameron Green (27) and Glenn Maxwell, the latter for a golden duck. Mahipal Lomror helped salvage the innings with a key 32 runs to push the total past 170. Avesh Khan was a standout performer for RR, finishing with three wickets.