Rajasthan Royals Triumph Over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 Eliminator
Mar, 26 2025
The IPL 2024 Eliminator match saw Rajasthan Royals (RR) put an end to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) journey in a nail-biting encounter. This clash took place at the enormous Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 22. With the stakes high, RR managed to chase down RCB's respectable total of 172/8, achieving victory for themselves with 6 balls remaining, securing their final score at 174/6 in just 19 overs. The triumph not only continued RR's playoff journey as they head to more challenges ahead but also shattered RCB's impressive six-match winning streak.
RCB's Batting Struggles
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, RCB hoped to post a commanding target. However, things didn't quite go their way right from the start. Trent Boult spearheaded the attack, dismissing RCB captain Faf du Plessis for a naught, which set a shaky tone. Not all was lost early, though, as Virat Kohli, who continues to chase his elusive IPL title, scored 33 runs, bringing some stability alongside Rajat Patidar who contributed 34 runs.
Still, the pressure seemed constant from the RR bowling side, especially with spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal bringing their A-game. Ashwin ended with figures of 2/19, earning him the Player of the Match title, while Chahal ensured tight control with 1/30. Finishing off aggressively, Avesh Khan's timely three-wicket haul at 3/44 put further brakes on RCB's dreams, including cheap dismissals of key players like Mahipal Lomror and Dinesh Karthik.
Rajasthan's Competitive Chase
As the chase started, RR's young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal set the foundation with practical yet strategic innings, scoring 45 off relatively few balls, lined with eight solid boundaries. The Royals faced a scare when they lost their in-form players Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson in quick succession, thanks to effective fielding and a sharp stumping effort.
However, RR’s middle order showed resilience; Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer combined forces for a crucial 45-run partnership that swung the momentum back to their side. Hetmyer's 26 and Parag's twin contributions ensured that there were always runs ticking on the board, keeping their hopes alive. Rovman Powell's capable of finishing, firing a triumphant six off Lockie Ferguson ensured RR crossed the finish line without pushing to the final over.
The showdown revealed some significant key moments, including missed opportunities in the RCB fielding department, and Ashwin’s economic spell paired with exceptional bowling in death by Khan. With this win, RR ended their own five-match winless spell and pushed RCB out of the tournament, leaving Kohli and his spirited squad yet again pondering over elusive IPL glory.
Moving forward, eyes are set on RR's upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 slated for May 24, as they hope to move into the finals. As for RCB, their season ends here, despite Kohli’s high-scoring performances and the team’s late surge in form towards the playoffs.