AHMEDABAD, May 22:
Rajasthan Royals ended Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s eventful campaign in the Indian Premier League with a four-wicket win in the Eliminator here on Wednesday.
Sent into bat, Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 172/8. In reply, Rajasthan Royals chased down the target of 173 with six balls to spare.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a 30-ball 45, while Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with quick-fire 36 and 26 respectively.
Earlier, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) delivered an exceptional bowling performance to limit the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a total of 172 runs.
The strategic brilliance of RR’s bowlers has set the stage for an exhilarating chase, keeping their playoff dreams alive.
The tone was set early by the seasoned pacer Trent Boult, whose opening spell was nothing short of spectacular. Boult’s precision and control during the powerplay were pivotal, especially when he dismissed the dangerous Faf du Plessis.
Du Plessis, who looked in good touch with 17 runs off 14 balls (including two boundaries and a six), fell to a well-executed delivery that left RCB’s top order unsettled.
Boult’s three-over spell, conceding a mere six runs, ensured that RCB could not exploit the fielding restrictions, laying a solid foundation for RR’s bowling attack.
Transitioning seamlessly from pace to spin, RR handed over the reins to their experienced spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin’s spell was a masterclass in defensive bowling, where his variations and tight lines choked the run flow.
His economic figures of 2/19 were instrumental in building pressure on the RCB batsmen, leading to crucial breakthroughs. Ashwin’s strategic prowess shone through as he kept the batsmen guessing, never allowing them to settle and launch a counter-attack.
Brief Scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 172/8 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 34; Ravichandran Ashwin 2/19, Avesh Khan 3/44).
Rajasthan Royals: 174/6 in 19 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 45, Riyan Parag 36; Mohammed Siraj 2/33). (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
