Royal Challengers Bengaluru crashed out of the Indian Premier League after a four-wicket defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in Wednesday’s eliminator.
It came down the wire, but alas — even after an incredible comeback in the league stage — RCB’s time to lift their first ever IPL trophy will not come this season.
A difficult toss to lose for Faf du Plessis turned out to be exactly the opposite for Sanju Samson’s Royals, who came to Ahmedabad on the back of four successive defeats.
Opting to bowl first with the knowledge that there would be dew in the evening helped the Royals significantly in the chase.
Up front, Trent Boult’s spell got just the start they needed — with du Plessis dismissed early before former RCB spinner Yuzvendra Chahal picked up the all-important wicket of Virat Kohli shortly after.
Ravi Ashwin was crucial as he dismissed Cameron Green (27) and Glenn Maxwell (0) while Avesh Khan delivered the goods at the back-end to restrict the Royal Challengers to 172/8 in their 20 overs.
The target always looked a few runs short, but the Bengaluru side played bold to stay in it until the penultimate over.
Green was sharp with 1/28 in his four overs while Mohammed Siraj provided a late twist with two wickets in the 18th over.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (45) at the top, a steady Riyan Parag (36) in the middle and Rovman Powell (16*) at the death were all critical in sending the Royals through to their next encounter against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The qualifier will take place in Chennai on Friday with the winners facing the Kolkata Knight Riders in Sunday’s final.
Pictured above: Ravi Ashwin
Image source: @rajasthanroyals
