IPL 2024 Eliminator: R Ashwin and Riyan Parag fire RR to Qualifier 2, ending RCB's dream run.

INTRO

• RCB was beaten by RR by 4 wickets.
• With the ball for RR, Ashwin stole the show.
• On May 24, RR takes on SRH in Qualifier 2.

R Ashwin and Riyan Parag's exploits on Wednesday, May 22, drove RR to Qualifier 2, ending RCB's incredible run in the IPL 2024 season. The Royals defeated the RCB by 4 wickets, as their efforts were insufficient on that particular day. Shimron Hetmyer and Parag were able to see their squad through, even if there were several uncertain moments throughout the RR pursuit.

RR chose to bowl first after winning the toss that day, most likely in response to KKR's victory over SRH in Qualifier 1. Trent Boult got off to a wonderful start, giving the RCB openers absolutely nothing, but Kohli and Du Plessis chose to go after the other bowlers. Once Boult removed the RCB captain, Sandeep Sharma and Avesh Khan were pricey. After he appeared to be in fine form, Kohli attacked the RR bowlers.

But when Yuzvendra Chahal entered the game and removed Kohli, things took a turn for the better for RR. For a while, Ashwin and the Royals bowlers kept things in check, but Cameron Green and Rajat Patidar managed to steady things. As RCB lost their way, Ashwin would dismiss Glenn Maxwell and Green off consecutive deliveries. Patidar persisted in his aggressive intent, but Avesh eventually secured his man.

IPL 2024 Eliminator, RCB vs. RR:

He believed he had dismissed Dinesh Karthik with his opening delivery, but a costly error by the third umpire allowed him to survive. However, Mahipal Lomror was unstoppable at the other end, as Karthik could only muster 11 off 13 to fail to make the essential effect.

Lomror left for 32, ending RCB's chances of ultimately reaching a large total. In 20 overs, the Bengaluru team scored 172 runs.

Only six runs could be scored in the opening two overs for the RR chase, which got off to a poor start. After that, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Yashasvi Jaiswal let loose and began scoring boundaries on their own initiative. The partnership's aggressor was Jaiswal. Jaiswal kept scoring easily, and Lockie Ferguson ended Kohler-Cadmore's stay.

The Indian opener appeared exhausted and eventually gave up while attempting to play a ramp shot, as the heat in Ahmedabad eventually got to him. Sanju Samson, the captain, also appeared to throw away his wicket after being stumped by Karn Sharma's delivery.

When things started to get closer, Virat Kohli executed an incredible run-out as RR lost Dhruv Jurel. Though Hetmyer was starting to get lucky, there were still some worries in the Royals chase. Green would be smashed for a six by Parag as well.

Hetmyer and Parag's collaboration would terminate, but by then, the odds were stacked in favor of RR. Still, Hetmyer's wicket would turn the tide once more. But in Ferguson's last over, Rovman Powell came up with two boundaries, cutting the equation down to only five required. In the end, RR would prevail as he would close out the match with a six.

RR stars form at the right moment.

For RR, their most recent victory dates back to April 27. Since then, they have dropped their last four games and were defeated by KKR. The primary problem was the way their best players—Boult, Ashwin, and Avesh—were kind of dropping off. But these names came through when it counted. While Ashwin took two wickets and gave up just 19 runs in his four overs, Boult only gave up 16 runs. Despite having a lackluster season, Yashasvi scored a crucial 45 off 30 balls to give them a boost in their chase.

In the end, their starboy Parag and the returning Hetmyer completed the chase. They now hope that these stars will carry the momentum when they go to Chennai on May 24 to play SRH in Qualifier 2.

RCB's Dream Broken

This RCB run was legendary in the making. After seven matches, they were all but gone, and nobody thought they had a chance to go to the qualifying round. With their impressive six-match winning streak that eliminated CSK from the tournament, RCB put an end to any skepticism.

They made it to the playoffs because to the players' unwavering support for their top player, Virat Kohli. Nonetheless, certain problems surfaced during the match versus RR. Their bad luck was exacerbated by Glenn Maxwell's bad form and the inconsistent batting. In the end, the bowlers missed some magic despite being tight.

RCB should be pleased with their performance, but before the next major auction, they have some important decisions to make.