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.

See Also: GCA clarifies main reason for RCB skipping practice, denies terror threat

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

The eve of the IPL 2024 Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was marked by intrigue and speculation. Amidst the anticipation of the Royal Derby clash, an unexpected turn of events unfolded, raising questions about the cancellation of RCB’s practice session and its underlying reasons.

Pre-Eliminator Drama

As the cricketing world awaited the high-stakes showdown, the spotlight shifted to an unforeseen development involving the apprehension of four individuals by the Gujarat Police at the Ahmedabad airport. The timing of this incident, just before the crucial match, added a layer of uncertainty to the proceedings.

See Also: Shah Rukh Khan admitted to hospital following KKR’s victory in Qualifier 1

The Gujarat Cricket Association’s Clarification

Anil Patel, the secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), played a pivotal role in dispelling the rumours surrounding RCB’s practice session cancellation. His statements shed light on the true reason behind the decision, providing clarity amidst the confusion.

“There was no terror threat. We had made provision for both the Rajasthan Royals and RCB to practice at the Gujarat College ground. RCB were supposed to practice from 2 to 5 pm, before they changed it to 3-6 pm, as the light is good till 6.30 pm in the summer in Ahmedabad. RCB skipped their practice session due to the prevailing heatwave in the city. We had told RCB that they can use the indoor practice facility there, or at the indoor facility at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, RCB didn’t want to practice because of the heatwave,” stated Patel. 

Details of Practice Session Arrangements

Patel provided insights into the logistics of the practice sessions initially planned for RR and RCB at the Gujarat College ground. Despite accommodating RCB’s scheduling preferences, the practice session was ultimately cancelled due to weather conditions.

Initially, RCB’s practice slot was scheduled from 2-5 pm, but it was later shifted to 3-6 pm, considering the ample daylight available in Ahmedabad during the summer season, lasting until around 6:30 pm. Patel disclosed that RCB decided to forgo their practice session due to the prevailing heatwave in the city.

Indoor Practice Facilities Offered

Given the scorching temperatures, the GCA offered RCB the use of indoor practice facilities at the Gujarat College ground or the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. However, RCB declined these options, opting to abstain from practice altogether.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a stage where cricketing talents shine, and veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has left an indelible mark on Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) journey. With his recent milestone as RR’s highest wicket-taker, Chahal’s impact and journey in the IPL warrant a closer look.

Breaking Records

Chahal’s ascent to the top of RR’s wicket-taking charts came during the Eliminator match of IPL 2024 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad. This milestone underscores his prowess and reflects his invaluable contributions to RR’s success.

See Also: Shah Rukh Khan admitted to hospital following KKR’s victory in Qualifier 1

Chahal solidified his position as a stalwart in RR’s bowling arsenal by surpassing the previous record-holder, Siddharth Trivedi. Trivedi, a former pacer for RR, held the record with 65 IPL wickets from 76 matches. Chahal’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his IPL journey.

Most wickets for RR in the IPL
66 – Yuzvendra Chahal (SR: 15.6)
65 – Siddharth Trivedi (SR: 23.1)
61 – Shane Watson (SR: 22.3)
57 – Shane Warne (SR: 20.9)
47 – James Faulkner (SR: 19.2)

Chahal’s IPL Journey with Rajasthan Royals

Chahal’s association with RR commenced during the IPL 2022 mega auction when the franchise acquired him. Since then, he has been instrumental in shaping RR’s bowling dynamics.

Chahal’s impact was immediate. In his debut season for RR, he clinched the Purple Cap, amassing 27 wickets at an impressive average of 19.51. His consistent performances were pivotal in RR’s journey to the final, where they finished as runners-up.

In subsequent seasons, Chahal continued to dominate with his spin wizardry. His ability to pick crucial wickets and maintain an economical bowling rate has made him a linchpin in RR’s bowling lineup.

The ongoing IPL season has further showcased Chahal’s prowess on the field. As RR’s leading wicket-taker, he has scalped 18 wickets across 15 matches, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s premier spinners.

Record-Breaking Feats

Chahal’s achievements extend beyond RR’s record books. Earlier this season, he surpassed legendary Shane Warne to become RR’s most successful spinner in IPL history. Additionally, he became the first bowler to reach 200 IPL wickets, solidifying his place among the league’s elite.

Chahal’s Journey Across Teams

Chahal’s journey in the IPL has seen him represent multiple franchises, including Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), before finding his home at RR.

During his tenure with RCB, Chahal emerged as a pivotal figure in their bowling lineup, amassing over 100 wickets and establishing himself as the franchise’s leading wicket-taker.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 has reached a crucial juncture, and today’s eliminator match promises fireworks as Mumbai Indians Women take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The stakes are high, and both teams are hungry for victory to make the place in the final of WPL 2024. RCB won the toss and decided to bat first.

Led by the formidable Harmanpreet Kaur, the Mumbai Indians boast a talented squad. Players like Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews, and Natalie Sciver-Brunt have been in top form. Their explosive batting lineup, coupled with a disciplined bowling attack, positions them as strong contenders for the title. Having reached the final in the previous season, they are eager to replicate their success and secure a spot in the championship match once again.

Meanwhile, under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, RCB aims to upset the odds. With stars like Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, and Indrani Roy, they have the firepower to challenge any opponent. With an aggressive playing style and versatile players capable of making impactful contributions, they pose a significant threat to the defending champions.

See Also: CSA announces 16-year-old star sensation for T20I series against Sri Lanka

The winner of this Eliminator match will advance to the finals, and the loser’s campaign will come to an end. Brace yourselves for an intense battle under the Delhi lights! Stay tuned with us for live updates.

Women’s Premier League: Who said what at the toss?

Smriti Mandhana – Today, we would prefer to bat first. As an eliminator, runs on board are definitely important. Hopefully, it will start to quiet down in the second inning. Today, we have not changed. There were many highs and lows during the competition. We are going to gain a lot of benefits from the last game.

Harmanpreet Kaur: In addition to being quite perplexed, we also wanted to bat first. Yastika is returning for Bala today. The last time we batted first, we had a terrific powerplay. After that, we didn’t go any farther. Much has been learned by us. In certain areas, even the bowling was good. It’s a fresh day, so maybe we accomplish what we had planned. It’s critical to remain present in the moment. We wish to give it everything we have since this game is crucial.

Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana(c), Sophie Molineux, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Richa Ghosh(w), Georgia Wareham, Disha Kasat, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Shraddha Pokharkar, Renuka Thakur Singh

Mumbai Indians Women (Playing XI): Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia(w), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, S Sajana, Humaira Kazi, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque