In a thrilling IPL 2024 match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs, securing a crucial spot in the playoffs. Faf du Plessis, the RCB captain, was named the player of the match for his impressive 54 off 39 balls.
However, he dedicated the award to pacer Yash Dayal, who maintained his composure in the tense final over. Despite being hit for a six by MS Dhoni on the first ball, Dayal successfully defended the target, helping RCB seal the victory. CSK, needing 17 runs off the final over to win, fell short due to Dayal’s effective bowling under pressure.
Faf du Plessis commended Dayal, stating, “I dedicate the Man of the Match (award) to Yash Dayal! I said to him pace off on this wicket is the best option.” He praised the electric atmosphere and the home fans’ support, despite the rain delays, saying, “What a night! Such a great atmosphere. Just a pleasure to finish the season in front of the home fans. It felt like a day-five Test match in Ranchi!”
RCB’s total of 218 for five was built on significant contributions from du Plessis and Virat Kohli, who scored 47 runs. Although CSK’s Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja made a strong effort, their team fell short of the required total.
Faf du Plessis highlighted the team effort, mentioning, “The contributions from many batters at good strikes, I’m really proud. We were defending 175 (and neither 201 nor 218)! We tried to get the ball changed tonight.”
CSK missed the chance to be in the playoffs
Reflecting on the season, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad pointed out that missing key players impacted their performance.
He explained, “I think it was a good wicket to be honest, it was spinning and gripping a little bit, but I think 200 on this ground was gettable. We kept losing wickets at regular intervals, it was a matter of one or two hits, sometimes that can happen in a T20 game.”
Gaikwad acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries, which forced frequent changes in the team’s lineup.
He remarked, “With the kind of injuries we had, missing out on two frontline bowlers, not having (Devon) Conway at the top of the order as well, I think missing out on three key players made a huge difference.” He added, “There were many challenges for us right throughout the first game.’
“Injury to Fizz (Mustafiur Rahman), then injury to (Matheesha) Pathirana as well, he came back and then again Pathirana missed out.” Despite being one of the top run-scorers of the season, Gaikwad expressed disappointment at not reaching the playoffs, stating, “For me, personal milestones don’t really matter a lot, after all the ultimate goal is to win.”
“If you are not getting there it’s a disappointment. Doesn’t matter if you score 100 runs or 500-600 runs in a season. I am disappointed.”
Overall, the match was a testament to the intense competition and the critical role of strategic play and individual performances in determining the outcome of T20 games.
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