In a dramatic match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Virat Kohli‘s quest for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title was extended by another year. Despite Kohli becoming the first player to score 8000 runs in IPL history, RCB’s journey in the IPL 2024 came to an abrupt end as they were defeated by RR in the Eliminator.
The match, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, saw RR chase down a target of 173 runs with over an over to spare, resulting in a four-wicket victory. RCB had a turbulent season but managed a remarkable comeback, securing a spot in the playoffs with a six-match winning streak, including a crucial victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last league match.
However, their hopes were dashed when RR broke their five-match losing streak to advance to Qualifier 2, where they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad. The winner will then compete against Kolkata Knight Riders in the final. Kohli’s frustration was evident during the match. He was seen yelling from the boundary, and some social media users speculated he was directing his anger at his teammates. The tension escalated further when Kohli threw a bottle in frustration, capturing the intensity of the moment.
Last match winner #yashdayal
— کوین (@Ka_v_i_n) May 22, 2024
And today #Chokli abused dayal🤦
WARRA TROPHY FOR RCB #Haarcb #RcbvsRR pic.twitter.com/aeD6k4rgSu
RCB Stifled by RR Bowlers as Choppy Chase Secures Victory
RCB’s innings struggled to gain momentum, with Avesh Khan (3-44) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2-19) delivering disciplined bowling performances for RR, limiting RCB to 172/8. In response, RR’s chase had its ups and downs. Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 45, supported by Riyan Parag (36), Shimron Hetmyer (26), and Rovman Powell (16 not out).
Jaiswal’s innings included a bit of luck as he was dropped on five by Cameron Green, but he capitalized by hitting three fours in quick succession. Tom Kohler-Cadmore, after being dropped by Glenn Maxwell, managed to hit two more boundaries before being dismissed by Lockie Ferguson. Despite the early dismissals, RR maintained their pursuit with contributions from Sanju Samson and crucial late runs from Hetmyer and Parag.
As the game approached its climax, Parag’s 36 off 26 balls ended when he was bowled by Mohammed Siraj. Soon after, Hetmyer was also dismissed, adding a twist to the chase. However, Powell ensured RR’s victory with consecutive fours off Ferguson, culminating in a decisive lofted shot down the ground.
The defeat left RCB heartbroken, ending their promising season and extending Kohli’s wait for an IPL title. Meanwhile, RR’s victory not only revived their campaign but also set the stage for their next crucial encounter in the playoffs.
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