Riyan Parag's composed knock of 36 runs and Shimron Hetmyer's brisk 26 guided Rajasthan Royals to a hard-fought victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore by 4 wickets. Chasing a target of 173 runs set by RCB, RR's successful chase propels them into the second eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, while RCB bids farewell to the season of the IPL on a losing note.
The Rajasthan Royals commenced their chase with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore opening the innings against RCB's bowling attack. Despite a steady start, RR received a boost in the third over when Yash Dayal conceded 16 runs. RCB's fielding woes were evident as they dropped two catches, one each of both RR openers within the first five overs. At the conclusion of the powerplay, RR stood at 47/1 after 6 overs, laying a solid foundation for their innings.
As the innings progressed, RR accelerated their scoring rate, reaching 74/1 by the end of the eighth over. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for a well-made 45 runs, falling victim to Green's bowling. At the halfway mark, RR stood at 85/2 after 10 overs. The departure of Sanju Samson for 17 runs, courtesy of Karn Sharma's breakthrough, added to RR's challenge.
Despite the setbacks, RR reached the 100-run mark in the 12th over. However, a brilliant throw from Kohli resulted in Dhruv Jurel's run-out for 8 runs. With 19 runs needed from 18 balls at the end of the 17th over, RR was on course for victory. However, a double breakthrough by Siraj, dismissing Parag and Hetmyer in the same over, added tension to the chase.
Ultimately, RR prevailed over RCB by 4 wickets, ending RCB's journey in the season of the IPL.
FIRST INNINGS
In a crucial eliminator showdown between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, it was RR who won the toss and elected to field first, setting the stage for an intense battle. RCB's innings got off to a cautious start with Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis at the crease. However, Trent Boult provided the breakthrough for RR, dismissing Du Plessis for 17 runs with RCB at 37/1 in the fifth over. Despite the setback, RCB managed to reach the 50-run mark in the powerplay.
Virat Kohli's departure for 33, courtesy of a breakthrough from Chahal, further dented RCB's progress, leaving them at 76/2 after 10 overs. The game took a decisive turn when R Ashwin delivered a crucial over, removing Cameron Green for 27 and dismissing Maxwell for a golden duck. With RCB at 97/4 after 13 overs, the pressure mounted on the batting side.
Rajat Patidar attempted to accelerate the scoring but fell for 34, courtesy of Avesh Khan's bowling. Dinesh Karthik was granted a lifeline after a controversial decision by the third umpire overturned the on-field decision of leg before wicket. However, his stay was short-lived as he departed for 11 runs, courtesy of Avesh Khan's second breakthrough.
With Mahipal Lomror's dismissal for 32, RCB's innings concluded at 172/8 after 20 overs, setting a target of 173 for Rajasthan Royals to secure a spot in the eliminator 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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