RR dashes RCB’s Title Hopes

Rajasthan Royals Outshine Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL Eliminator

Ahmedabad, May 28: The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League witnessed a thrilling showdown between the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator, held in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. In a match filled with ups and downs, the Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious with a hard-fought four-wicket win, thus ending the roller-coaster journey of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament.

The clash began with Rajasthan’s bowlers delivering a disciplined performance, limiting the Royal Challengers to a modest total of 172/8. However, what followed was a dramatic turn of events as the Royals’ batting lineup faced a sudden collapse during the middle overs, allowing RCB to stage a comeback and keep the match in the balance until the latter stages. Despite the tense moments, the 2008 IPL champions held their nerve to secure a crucial win, crossing the finishing line with an over to spare.

Chasing a target of 173 runs, Rajasthan showcased resilience and determination, reaching a total of 174/6, with Rovman Powell’s composed unbeaten knock of 16 proving pivotal in the closing stages of the match. Notably, Riyan Parag exhibited remarkable resolve, contributing 36 runs off 26 deliveries, steering his team through a challenging phase and keeping their hopes alive in the tournament. This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Royals, who had endured a string of defeats and an abandoned match earlier in the season.

Looking ahead, the Rajasthan Royals are set to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Friday, where they will battle it out for a coveted spot in the IPL final.

The return of Shimron Hetmyer provided a crucial boost to the Royals’ batting lineup, as he played a vital innings, scoring 26 runs off just 14 balls. Despite facing late resistance from RCB’s Mohammed Siraj, who claimed two wickets in the 18th over, Rajasthan maintained their composure and sealed the win with Powell’s timely boundaries in the final overs.

In a significant development, Ravichandran Ashwin’s double breakthrough, dismissing Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell on consecutive deliveries, further tilted the scales in favor of the Royals, adding to the woes of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Reflecting on the journey of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL over the years, their performance has been a mix of highs and lows, with notable achievements including runner-up finishes in 2009, 2011, and 2016, along with multiple playoff appearances. However, their quest for the IPL title this season came to an end in the Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals.

Most Ducks in IPL History

RCB’s Run in the IPL

This table encapsulates the performance of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in each season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 to 2024.