Rajasthan Royals Edge Out RCB in Thrilling IPL Eliminator to Secure Semifinal Spot
Rajasthan Royals ended Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s roller coaster run in the Indian Premier League with a scrappy four-wicket win in the Eliminator on Wednesday. After their bowlers did a commendable job of restricting RCB to 172/8, RR batters faced challenges in the middle overs but managed to chase down the target with an over to spare, finishing at 174/6. Rovman Powell (16 not out) provided the crucial finishing touches in a tense finish.
As he has done several times before this season, Riyan Parag (36 off 26) showed remarkable resolve in a challenging situation, helping Rajasthan stay alive in the tournament. This win marked Royals’ first after four losses and an abandoned game. The 2008 winners will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Friday for a place in the IPL final.
The returning Shimron Hetmyer also played a key role, scoring a crucial 26 off 14 balls. Despite the contest swinging from one side to another, RR remained ahead with impactful performances throughout. Mohammed Siraj (2/33) raised late hopes for RCB with the wickets of Parag and Hetmyer in the 18th over, but Powell’s two fours off Lockie Ferguson in the penultimate over sealed the deal for his side.
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal (45 off 30) provided the impetus at the top of the order. Although he had an unconvincing start, Jaiswal grew in confidence, capitalizing on deliveries from Yash Dayal and breaking the shackles with four fours in the third over. Tom Kohler-Cadmore (20) also contributed with a couple of fours against Siraj and benefited from a lifeline when Glenn Maxwell spilled a sitter.
Lockie Ferguson provided RCB’s first breakthrough, dismissing Kohler-Cadmore with a slow yorker. Jaiswal, struggling with the extreme heat, eventually fell to Cameron Green after a loose shot, followed by Sanju Samson (17) being stumped by Karn Sharma. RCB continued to apply pressure with Dhruv Jurel (8) being run out after a brilliant effort from Virat Kohli.
Heading into the 15th over, RR faced mounting pressure but chose to go after Green. Hetmyer and Parag hit Green for a combined 17 runs in one over, shifting momentum back in RR’s favor.
Rajasthan Royals’ bowling was led by Trent Boult (4-0-16-1), who produced an impressive opening spell. Ravichandran Ashwin (4-0-19-2) made a significant impact, taking the wickets of Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell on consecutive deliveries. Avesh Khan (3/44) also chipped in, and the fielders, particularly Rovman Powell, provided excellent support with stunning catches that hindered RCB’s progress.
Overall, it was a well-rounded performance by Rajasthan Royals, setting up an exciting semifinal clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
