Royal Challengers Bangalore secured a spot in the 2024 IPL playoffs with a 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad opted to bowl first. Faf du Plessis’s half-century, alongside contributions from Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, helped RCB post a total of 218/5. Rachin Ravindra led CSK’s chase with support from Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, but they fell short by 27 runs. This win confirms RCB as the fourth team to enter the playoffs. 

Also Read: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 68, RCB vs CSK 

RCB set a target of 219  

After losing the toss and being asked to bat, RCB posted an impressive 218/5 in their 20 overs. Skipper Faf du Plessis anchored the innings with a solid 54 off 39 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes. Virat Kohli provided a strong start, scoring a brisk 47 off 29 balls with three fours and four sixes before falling to Mitchell Santner. Rajat Patidar’s explosive 41 off 23 balls and Cameron Green’s unbeaten 38 off just 17 balls further bolstered the total. Glenn Maxwell’s cameo of 16 from five balls, at an astonishing strike rate of 320.00, ensured RCB ended their innings on a high note. CSK’s bowlers struggled, with Shardul Thakur conceding 61 runs but taking two wickets. Tushar Deshpande managed a wicket but at the cost of 49 runs from his four overs. Mitchell Santner was the most economical, taking 1/23 from his four overs. 

CSK fell short by 27 runs 

Chasing 219, CSK’s innings started disastrously with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dismissed for a golden duck. Rachin Ravindra steadied the ship with a fluent 61 off 37 balls, supported by Ajinkya Rahane’s 33 off 22. However, regular wickets kept CSK under pressure. Despite Ravindra Jadeja’s valiant 42* off 22 balls and a quick 25 off 13 from MS Dhoni, CSK fell short, managing 191/7 in their 20 overs.

 RCB’s bowlers executed their plans effectively. Yash Dayal was the pick of the bowlers with 2/42, while Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson, and Cameron Green each chipped in with a wicket. With this win, RCB solidified their position in the playoff race, showcasing a balanced team effort in both batting and bowling departments. 

Faf du Plessis one hand brilliant catch 

Mohammed Siraj delivered a low full-toss on off stump. Mitchell Santner leaned back and lofted it, but Faf du Plessis, positioned at the edge of the ring, timed his leap perfectly. Stretching out fully, he caught the ball with his outstretched right hand. The RCB team rushed to celebrate Faf’s remarkable catch.