Royal Challengers Bengaluru took the last play-off spot in the Indian Premier League 2024 by beating defending champions Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs on Saturday.
With Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, already in the play-offs, RCB needed a win to go ahead. Batting first, RCB set a challenging target of 218 for five in their must-win match against CSK.
Openers Faf du Plessis (54) and Virat Kohli (47) provided them with a solid beginning with a 78run stand in 9.4 overs, after a brief rain delay following the third over. In came the No. 3 player, Rajat Patidar, who scored quickly 41 off 23 balls and had a 71run stand with Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 38 off 17 balls. Late contributions from Dinesh Karthik and Glenn Maxwell boosted RCB's total.
CSK needed to score 201 runs to qualify for the playoffs, courtesy of a better run rate, even if they lost the match. However, they fell short and managed only 191 for 7. Rachin Ravindra top-scored with 61 off 37 balls. He was well supported by Ravindra Jadeja's 42 not out and Ajinkya Rahane's 33. Despite a valiant 13-ball, 25-run effort from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, possibly his last IPL appearance, CSK could not make it to the target.
Yash Dayal bowled the final over with composure to end with figures of 2/42 for RCB.
Brief Scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 218 for 5 in 20 overs (Faf du Plessis 54, Virat Kohli 47; Shardul Thakur 2/61).
Chennai Super Kings: 191 for 7 in 20 overs (Rachin Ravindra 61, Ravindra Jadeja 42 not out; Yash Dayal 2/42).
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