Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin caused significant damage to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting lineup, taking out Australian players Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive deliveries during the IPL 2024 Eliminator. Ashwin’s economical bowling deservedly earned him these wickets.
Green, scoring 27, aimed to attack Ashwin aggressively but was deceived by the veteran off-spinner’s carrom ball. Attempting a shot over long-on, he mistimed it, resulting in a catch taken by Rovman Poweel at covers, marking Poweel’s second excellent catch of the match.
Glenn Maxwell followed Green’s dismissal, opting for a big shot against Ashwin immediately. Unfortunately, he failed to connect cleanly, and Dhruv Jurel easily caught the ball at long-on.
Cameron Green ✅
Glenn Maxwell ✅Ravichandran Ashwin unveiling his magic at a crucial stage ✨
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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 22, 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin almost claimed another wicket with Rajat Patidar, but a mishandled catch by Dhruv Jurel spared him. Nonetheless, Ashwin’s impressive figures of 2/19 have bolstered the Royals’ position significantly.
RCB’s aspirations for a competitive total rely on Dinesh Karthik and the lower-middle order
Avesh Khan, having already removed Rajat Patidar, had the chance for a double blow akin to Ashwin’s, when Dinesh Karthik was adjudged lbw. Yet, the UltraEdge suggested a nick, prompting the third umpire to overturn the decision. This ruling has sparked a significant debate on social media.
RR players and Kumar Sangakkara in the dugout appeared furious and perplexed, as they were convinced that the bat made contact with the pad, causing the spike on the UltraEdge.
However, Karthik remains at the crease, forming a crucial partnership with Mahipal Lomror. RCB will be optimistic that this duo can guide them beyond the 180-run mark, which appears to be the minimum target considering the dew factor.
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