Rajasthan Royals (RR) booked their ticket to Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024 in a thrilling encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 4 wickets. With contributions from key players and a commendable bowling performance, RR demonstrated their ability to thrive under pressure and overcome formidable opponents.

RR’s Steady Start

The chase commenced with a solid partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, providing RR a steady start. However, RR faced setbacks with the dismissals of Kohler-Cadmore, Jaiswal, and skipper Sanju Samson, disrupting their momentum during the crucial phase of the match.

Jaiswal then built another steady partnership, adding 25 runs off 23 balls with skipper Sanju Samson. However, Jaiswal fell to a Cameron Green delivery in the 10th over. Shortly after, Samson was stumped by Karn Sharma.

RR suffered their fourth setback when Dhruv Jurel was run out by a sharp throw from Kohli off a delivery from Cameron Green. Jurel departed after contributing 8 runs off 8 balls. At the end of 14 overs, RR’s scorecard read 115/4.

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Powell’s Heroics Seal the Win

Amidst the late drama, Rovman Powell emerged as the hero for RR, showcasing nerves of steel as he guided his team to victory with a sensational display of batting prowess.

RR’s Bowling Masterclass

RR’s disciplined bowling, led by pacer Avesh Khan and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, restricted RCB to a modest total of 172/8. The bowlers maintained control throughout the innings, ensuring limited scoring opportunities for the opposition.

Key Moments in RCB’s Batting

In RCB’s innings, key moments such as Trent Boult’s early breakthroughs and Ashwin’s impactful spell have tilted the balance in favour of RR. Despite efforts from RCB’s top order, including Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, RR’s bowlers maintained their composure and executed their plans effectively.

Maxwell’s Disappointing Form

Notably, Glenn Maxwell’s struggle with the bat continued as he registered yet another duck, adding to RCB’s woes in the middle order. His failure to make an impact further compounded RCB’s challenges in setting a formidable target for RR.

Most wins as RR captain (IPL)
31 – Shane Warne
31 – Sanju Samson
18 – Rahul Dravid
15 – Steven Smith

Most defeats in IPL playoffs
10 – RCB (16 matches)
9 – CSK (26 matches)
9 – DC (11 matches)
7 – MI (20 matches)
7 – SRH (12 matches)

Most runs for RR in an IPL season
863 – Jos Buttler (2022)
625 – Yashasvi Jaiswal (2023)
567 – Riyan Parag (2024)
560 – Ajinkya Rahane (2012)
548 – Jos Buttler (2018)

Most runs by an uncapped batter in an IPL season
625 – Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR, 2023)
616 – Shaun Marsh (PBKS, 2008)
567 – Riyan Parag (RR, 2024)
516 – Ishan Kishan (MI, 2020)
512 – Suryakumar Yadav (MI, 2018)

Most runs from No.4 or below in an IPL season
579 – Rishabh Pant (DC, 2018)
567 – Riyan Parag (RR, 2024)
538 – Rohit Sharma (MI, 2013)
513 – Glenn Maxwell (RCB, 2021)
498 – Dinesh Karthik (KKR, 2018)

Highest match aggregates without an individual 50-plus score in IPL
349 – CSK vs RCB, Chennai, 2024
346 – RR vs RCB, Ahmedabad, 2024 Eliminator
343 – GL vs RCB, Rajkot, 2017
343 – KKR vs CSK, Abu Dhabi, 2021
342 – PBKS vs RR, Mohali, 2014