IPL 2024: Rajat Patidar-inspired RCB flatten DC despite Axar Patel's bravado to stay alive in playoff mix with 5th straight win

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) recorded their fifth successive victory after crushing Delhi Capitals (DC) by 47 runs at the Chinnaswamy stadium on May 12 to stay afloat in playoff race. RCB rode on Rajat Patidar's brilliant fifty to post a challenging target of 187/9. In reply, Rishabh Pant-less DC got off to a patchy start and eventually folded for 140 despite stand-in skipper Axar Patel's 57-run knock. With this RCB have surged to fifth place in the points table followed by DC at sixth spot. Yash Dayal was the pick of the bowler for RCB who dazzled with an impressive three-fer (3/20). Meanwhile, Cameron Green was adjudged the player of the match for his all-round show, 1/19 and 32 off 24. 

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Capitals' chase crumbles after early wobble

Delhi Capitals' (DC) gamble of using David Warner as an impact substitute proved disastrous in their crucial chase of 188 runs. The veteran opener, brought in for the powerplay, fell cheaply for just 1 run in the first over, caught by Will Jacks off the impressive Swapnil Singh.

This early setback was compounded by further wickets in the third over. Yash Dayal dismissed both Abishek Porel (2 runs) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (21 runs off 8 balls) in quick succession, leaving DC reeling at 24 for 3. Mohammed Siraj piled on the misery by removing Kumar Kushagra (4 runs) a few deliveries later, pushing DC into a precarious position at 30 for 4 in a must-win encounter.

A glimmer of hope emerged with a 56-run partnership between Shai Hope (29 runs) and stand-in skipper Axar Patel. However, Hope's dismissal – caught superbly by Karn Sharma off Lockie Ferguson, reignited RCB's dominance.

Another run-out, this time of Tristan Stubbs (3 runs), further dented DC's chances. Despite a fighting half-century (57 runs) from Axar Patel, his dismissal to Yash Dayal finally broke the resistance. Ultimately, RCB bowlers tightened their grip, restricting DC to a paltry 140 runs all out. This convincing victory sets up an exciting clash between RCB and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 18, a match that promises high-octane action.

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RCB falters after Patidar's heroics

Earlier, RCB failed to capitalise on a blazing fifty from Rajat Patidar, but managed to post a challenging total of 187/9 against DC. Despite early dismissals of captain Faf du Plessis and star batsman Virat Kohli, RCB built a strong middle-order partnership thanks to Patidar (52 runs off 32 balls) and Will Jacks (41 runs off 29 balls). The duo combined for a quickfire 88 runs off just 53 balls, showcasing some powerful hitting and overcoming dropped catches by the DC fielders.

Patidar, in particular, played a dominant role. He started with a magnificent cover drive for four and continued to display his six-hitting prowess throughout his innings. However, a mistimed shot resulted in his dismissal by Ishant Sharma, who celebrated with a playful mimic of Kohli's signature celebration.

Despite losing Patidar, Jacks continued to attack, adding valuable runs alongside Cameron Green (32 not out) and Mahipal Lomror (13 not out). However, a flurry of wickets in the latter stages of the innings – including Jacks' dismissal – hampered RCB's momentum.

DC bowlers tightened their grip in the death overs, with Khaleel Ahmed and Rasikh Salam conceding only 49 runs in the final five overs. This impressive bowling display by DC restricted RCB to a total that might prove inadequate in their quest for victory.

RCB will next face CSK on May 18, DC will take on LSG on May 14.

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