Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) needed to beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by less than 18 runs to secure their playoff spot. The challenge was significant, but RCB was determined. They set a massive target by scoring 218 runs. To qualify, they had to limit CSK to 201 or fewer runs. Rising to the occasion, RCB’s bowlers restricted CSK to 191, clinching a crucial 27-run victory. This win marked RCB’s sixth consecutive victory, propelling them into the playoffs while knocking out the defending champions, CSK.
Powerplay Drama
The first Powerplay was intense and divided into two phases. Before the rain interruption, RCB scored 31 runs in three overs, thanks to pacers. Tushar Deshpande managed some movement, but Shardul Thakur’s over gave RCB early momentum. After the rain break, CSK spinners took charge, limiting RCB to 11 runs in the next three overs. The pitch turned significantly, challenging RCB’s openers. Despite the tricky conditions, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis guided RCB to 42/0 by the end of the Powerplay.
Big Score on a Tough Pitch
Kohli and du Plessis performed brilliantly, hitting multiple sixes off CSK pacers until rain caused a 30-minute delay. The pitch became spinner-friendly post-rain, making boundary-hitting difficult. Kohli managed some shots before being dismissed by Mitchell Santner. Du Plessis then took charge, scoring a rapid half-century before getting out. Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green further punished CSK’s pacers, with Dinesh Karthik and Glenn Maxwell contributing valuable runs at the end. RCB posted a formidable 218/5.
CSK’s bowlers had a tough night, with only Maheesh Theekshana and Santner managing to bowl economically while the rest were heavily punished by RCB batters.
RCB’s Dominance from the Start
Defending a big total, RCB started strong with Maxwell taking Ruturaj Gaikwad’s wicket on the first ball. Soon after, Daryl Mitchell was dismissed, leaving CSK at 19/2. Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings, reaching 58/2 by the end of the Powerplay. However, RCB’s bowlers kept the pressure on, picking up key wickets.
Yash Dayal’s Heroics Seal the Win
The partnership between Rahane and Rachin steadied CSK, but Rahane’s dismissal triggered a collapse. Rachin, after scoring his first IPL fifty, was run out due to a mix-up with Shivam Dube, who was later dismissed as well. MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja fought back with a partnership of 61 off 27 balls, bringing CSK close to the target. However, Yash Dayal held his nerve in the final over, defending 17 runs to secure RCB’s win.
For Dhoni, this match could mark the end of his IPL career.
