RCB vs CSK May 18, 2024 | In a thrilling encounter that lived up to its billing, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their spot in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs with a dramatic 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The game was a virtual knockout for both teams, with their fate in the tournament hanging in the balance.
RCB vs CSK: Pre-Match Context
The stakes couldn’t have been higher for this RCB vs CSK clash. Both teams were fighting for the last spot in the playoffs, making the match a high-pressure situation for all players involved. CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting up an intriguing battle as RCB would need to defend whatever total they posted.
RCB’s Innings: A Steady Start and a Late Surge
RCB openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis started aggressively, taking on the CSK bowlers from the outset. Kohli’s flick over mid-wicket for a six off Tushar Deshpande set the tone. At the end of three overs, RCB were 31 for three when a sudden rain shower halted play. Fortunately, the rain was brief and play resumed without any loss of overs.
Post-resumption, the pitch seemed to favor the spinners, and CSK’s Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner capitalized on the conditions. Kohli and du Plessis struggled to score freely, but du Plessis broke the shackles by hitting Theekshana down the ground. Kohli followed suit with a couple of sixes, but his innings ended when he was caught by Daryl Mitchell off Santner’s bowling after scoring a brisk 45.
Du Plessis continued to dominate, bringing up his fifty with a flurry of boundaries. His dismissal for 54 came under unfortunate circumstances when a drive by Rajat Patidar deflected off Santner’s hand and hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end.
RCB needed a strong finish, and Patidar, along with Cameron Green, provided just that. The pair added 71 runs in just 28 balls, taking RCB past the 200-run mark. Patidar’s 41 off 23 balls and Green’s unbeaten 38 off 17 balls were crucial. Short but impactful cameos from Dinesh Karthik (14 off six balls) and Glenn Maxwell (16 off five balls) ensured RCB posted a formidable total of 218.
Batting Details (RCB):
- V Kohli: 47 runs (29 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes)
- F Plessis: 54 runs (39 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes)
- R Patidar: 41 runs (23 balls, 2 fours, 4 sixes)
- C Green: 38 runs (17 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes)
- D Karthik: 14 runs (6 balls, 1 four, 1 six)
- G Maxwell: 16 runs (5 balls, 2 fours, 1 six)
- M Lomror: 0 runs (1 ball)
- Others: Y Dayal, K Sharma, M Siraj, L Ferguson, S Singh (did not bat).
Bowling Details (CSK):
- T Deshpande: 4.0 overs, 49 runs, 1 wicket
- S Thakur: 4.0 overs, 61 runs, 2 wickets
- M Theekshana: 4.0 overs, 25 runs, 0 wickets
- M Santner: 4.0 overs, 23 runs, 1 wicket
- R Jadeja: 3.0 overs, 40 runs, 0 wickets
- S Singh: 1.0 overs, 19 runs, 0 wickets.
CSK’s Chase: A Rocky Start
CSK’s chase began on a dramatic note with Ruturaj Gaikwad being caught by Yash Dayal at short fine-leg off the very first ball bowled by Glenn Maxwell. CSK were in early trouble, losing their second wicket when Mitchell edged Dayal to mid-off in the third over.
At 19 for two, CSK needed a partnership to stabilize the innings. Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane took on the task, mixing caution with aggression. Their partnership of 66 off 41 balls kept CSK in the hunt. Rahane, however, perished for 33, caught by du Plessis off Lockie Ferguson’s bowling.
Batting Details (CSK):
- R Ravindra: 61 runs (37 balls, 5 fours, 3 sixes)
- A Rahane: 33 runs (22 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
- R Jadeja: 42 runs (22 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes)
- M Dhoni: 25 runs (13 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
- Others: D Mitchell, S Dube, M Santner, S Thakur, R Gaikwad, M Theekshana (did not bat).
Bowling Details (RCB):
- G Maxwell: 4.0 overs, 25 runs, 1 wicket
- M Siraj: 4.0 overs, 35 runs, 1 wicket
- Y Dayal: 4.0 overs, 42 runs, 2 wickets
- S Singh: 2.0 overs, 13 runs, 0 wickets
- K Sharma: 1.0 overs, 14 runs, 0 wickets
- L Ferguson: 3.0 overs, 39 runs, 1
Middle Overs: Tight Bowling and Crucial Wickets
RCB sensed an opportunity and tightened the screws, restricting boundaries and building pressure. Ravindra, who had looked set, was run-out for 61 after a mix-up with Shivam Dube. Dube himself struggled and was eventually dismissed by Ferguson. The pressure mounted on CSK as Santner was brilliantly caught by du Plessis at mid-off, leaving them needing 71 off the last five overs.
The Final Overs: Jadeja and Dhoni’s Heroics
Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, two of CSK’s most experienced campaigners, were tasked with an almost impossible chase. Jadeja signaled his intent by hitting the first ball post-timeout for six. CSK managed 13 and 15 runs in the two overs following the timeout, mainly due to Jadeja’s aggressive batting.
With 35 needed off the last two overs, Ferguson’s over began with a beamer, followed by boundaries from Jadeja and Dhoni. Jadeja’s six off the last ball of the penultimate over left CSK needing 17 off the final over.
The Final Over: RCB Holds Their Nerve
Yash Dayal was handed the ball for the final over. The first ball, a full toss, was dispatched by Dhoni for a massive 110m six over fine-leg. The next ball was a slower delivery, which Dhoni tried to hit over square-leg, but he only managed to find the fielder in the deep. Shardul Thakur, the new man in, missed the next ball but managed a single off the fourth, leaving Jadeja with 10 to get off the last two balls.
Dayal bowled two excellent slower deliveries, denying Jadeja any boundary opportunities and sealing a 27-run win for RCB. The victory ensured RCB’s qualification for the playoffs, marking a dramatic end to the group stage of the TATA IPL 2024.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis’ Aggressive Start: The RCB openers set the tone with their aggressive batting, putting CSK under early pressure.
- Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green’s Partnership: Their explosive stand in the middle overs took RCB to a formidable total.
- RCB’s Early Strikes: Maxwell and Dayal’s early wickets put CSK on the back foot from the beginning of their chase.
- Rachin Ravindra’s Steadying Knock: Ravindra’s 61 kept CSK in the hunt during the middle overs.
- Faf du Plessis’ Catch to Dismiss Santner: A moment of brilliance in the field that significantly hampered CSK’s chances.
- Yash Dayal’s Last Over: Holding his nerve to defend 17 runs against MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, showcasing excellent death bowling skills.
Post-Match Reactions in RCB vs CSK Clash
The RCB camp was ecstatic, having secured their playoff spot in such a dramatic fashion. Faf du Plessis, the RCB captain, praised his team’s all-round performance and highlighted the importance of maintaining composure under pressure. “This was a true test of our character, and the boys delivered when it mattered the most,” he said.
Virat Kohli, who played a pivotal role at the top of the order, was also pleased with the team’s effort. “It was a collective effort, and the way we handled the pressure was commendable. Everyone chipped in, and that’s what you need in such crucial games,” he remarked.
On the other side, CSK’s captain MS Dhoni acknowledged the efforts of his team but lamented the crucial moments where they lost their grip on the match. “We fought hard, but there were key moments where we let the game slip. Credit to RCB for holding their nerve in the end,” he said.
Conclusion | RCB vs CSK
The RCB vs CSK encounter in Match 68 of the TATA IPL 2024 was a cricketing spectacle that had everything – aggressive batting, tight bowling, and moments of brilliance in the field. RCB’s victory not only sealed their playoff berth but also showcased their ability to perform under high pressure, setting the stage for an exciting playoff phase.
As the TATA IPL 2024 heads into its final stages, the performances from both RCB and CSK in this match will be remembered as a testament to the thrilling nature of the tournament. RCB’s comprehensive win over their arch-rivals CSK will go down as one of the most memorable games of the season, setting a high bar for the matches to come.
