IPL 2024 RR vs RCB Eliminator : The Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed an electrifying Eliminator as Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals (RR) clashed with the in form Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In a thrilling encounter, RR managed to edge past RCB, keeping their IPL 2024 dreams alive.
Let’s have a look into more details : IPL 2024 RR vs RCB Eliminator
RR’s Resilient Bowling Restricts RCB to 172/8
Rajasthan Royals decision to bowl first paid off, as their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict the formidable RCB batting lineup to 172/8. The star of the show was Avesh Khan, who, despite an expensive start, bagged three crucial wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin’s economical spell of 2/19 also played a vital role in stifling RCB’s progress.
RCB’s innings saw contributions from Virat Kohli, who scored 33 off 24 balls, and Rajat Patidar, who made 34 in 22 balls. Mahipal Lomror added some late impetus with a brisk 17 ball 32. However, RCB struggled to build a substantial partnership, which hindered their ability to post a bigger total.
Steady Start for RR, but Stumble in Middle Overs
RR got off to a steady start in their chase with Yashasvi Jaiswal putting up strong stands alongside Tom Kohler-Cadmore and skipper Sanju Samson. Jaiswal’s fluent innings set the tone, but RCB clawed back into the game by dismissing both Jaiswal and Samson in quick succession. Dhruv Jurel’s run out, courtesy of Virat Kohli’s brilliance, added to RR’s woes.
With 58 needed off the last six overs, the pressure was on Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer. The duo had to navigate a highly charged RCB fielding unit while making sure to minimize running errors between the wickets.
Hetmyer and Parag’s Heroics Seal the Deal for RR
As the match progressed to its final overs, it became a nerve-wracking contest. Hetmyer and Parag showed commendable resilience. Hetmyer’s quickfire boundaries and Parag’s composed innings brought the equation down to 5 runs needed off 10 balls.
The turning point came in the penultimate over when Hetmyer hit Ferguson for a six, followed by a flurry of boundaries that shifted the momentum in RR’s favor. Despite a valiant effort from RCB, Hetmyer’s powerful hitting in the final over ensured that RR crossed the finish line, dashing RCB’s hopes once again.
Key Moments
- Trent Boult dismissed RCB’s captain Faf du Plessis in the fifth over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling performance.
- Kohli was caught at deep midwicket off Yuzvendra Chahal, a crucial wicket that pegged back RCB.
- Ravichandran Ashwin removed Glenn Maxwell for a golden duck, followed by another scalp, creating a middle order collapse for RCB.
- A world class run out by Kohli to dismiss Dhruv Jurel, showcasing his fielding prowess.
- Hetmyer and Parag’s Partnership – The duo’s calculated aggression in the death overs turned the game in RR’s favor, culminating in Hetmyer’s six to seal the victory.
Rajasthan Royals will look to carry this momentum into the next phase of the playoffs. For RCB, the season ends in disappointment, but their remarkable comeback in the latter half of the tournament is a testament to their fighting spirit.
As the IPL 2024 season progresses towards its climax, fans can expect more thrilling contests. RR’s victory in the Eliminator has set the stage for an exciting finish, and their quest for the title continues.
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