RCB qualify for playoffs after clinching 27-run victory over CSK in heart-stopping thriller as MS Dhoni's IPL 2024 season ends in defeat

Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the IPL 2024's playoffs after defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs in a thrilling clash at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on May 18, Saturday. Faf Du Plessis' 54 off 39 and Virat Kohli's 47 off 29 powered RCB to a huge total of 218/5. In reply, CSK fell short of 27 runs as they were restricted to 191/7 despite Rachin Ravindra's blistering 61 off 37 and Ravindra Jadeja-MS Dhoni's pyrotechnics. With this win, RCB became the fourth and final team to make it to the IPL 2024 playoffs after KKR, RR and SRH.

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CSK's chase crumbles after early promise

CSK's pursuit of RCB's daunting total of 218 got off to a disastrous start. Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell departed cheaply, leaving CSK reeling at 2/2. However, a glimmer of hope emerged with a crucial partnership between Rachin Ravindra (61) and Ajinkya Rahane (33). They steadied the ship and kept CSK's hopes alive. Unfortunately, Rahane's dismissal triggered a collapse. Lokie Ferguson trapped him lbw with the first ball of his over, and within the next three overs, CSK lost Ravindra (run-out), Dube (7), and Mitchell Santner (3) to a spectacular diving catch by Faf du Plessis, arguably the catch of the tournament.

With the score at a precarious 129/6 by the 15th over, CSK seemed on the verge of defeat. Yet, the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni refused to give up. They stitched together a defiant 61-run partnership, briefly reigniting CSK's chances. Despite their valiant effort, Jadeja and Dhoni couldn't take CSK over the finish line. For RCB, the equation was simple, restrict CSK to 200 runs or less to secure the final playoff spot. However, CSK could still qualify even with a loss, as long as they scored more than 200, thanks to their superior net run rate. CSK needed 35 runs from the final 12 balls. The pressure intensified as the legendary duo of MS Dhoni (25 off 13) and Ravindra Jadeja (42 off 22) stood at the crease. This match could potentially be Dhoni's IPL farewell, adding a layer of emotional weight to the situation. With 17 runs needed for CSK to qualify after the 19th over, RCB captain Faf du Plessis entrusted the crucial final over to young pacer Yash Dayal.  Dhoni started with a bang, launching the first ball for a six. However, Dayal displayed nerves of steel, dismissing Dhoni with a well-directed delivery that resulted in a catch in the deep. The pressure shifted to Jadeja, needing 10 runs off the last two balls, just like IPL 2023's final between CSK and GT. But things panned out differently this year as Dayal held his composure, bowling a perfect slower ball for a dot ball. This sealed the fate of the match, securing a thrilling 27-run victory for RCB and sending them through to the playoffs.

Faf Du Plessis leads from the front

Earlier, RCB's top order put on a dominant display against defending champions CSK in their crucial clash and posted a big total of 218/5. Leading the charge was skipper Faf du Plessis, who smashed a quickfire 54 runs off just 39 balls. This knock included three boundaries and three sixes, marking his fourth fifty of the season. Virat Kohli wasn't far behind, contributing a flashy 47 runs off 29 balls, peppered with his signature six-hitting prowess. Following their openers, Rajat Patidar (41 off 23 balls) and Cameron Green (38 off 17 balls) continued the onslaught. Both batsmen unleashed their power-hitting abilities, adding valuable runs to the scoreboard and keeping the pressure on CSK.

This collective effort from RCB's top order was crucial, considering their precarious playoff situation. To secure a spot in the playoffs, RCB needs to win by at least 18 runs.  On the other hand, CSK has some breathing room.  They can still qualify for the playoffs even with a loss, as long as they manage to score more than 200 runs or if the match gets washed out. The match began with a promising start for RCB. Openers Kohli and du Plessis looked comfortable at the crease, putting on a 31-run partnership before a brief rain interruption caused a 40-minute delay. Upon resumption, CSK deployed their spinners to counter the threat of RCB's batsmen.  Maheesh Theekshana and Mitchell Santner found some assistance from the pitch with the ball turning and gripping.  Despite this, RCB managed to reach 42 runs without losing a wicket by the end of the Powerplay.

Kohli displayed his signature slog sweep to launch a couple of more sixes before getting dismissed by Daryl Mitchell off Santner's bowling.  This brought RCB down to 78/1 at the 10-over mark.

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Undeterred by the loss, du Plessis took charge against Ravindra Jadeja.  He smashed a four and two sixes, milking 20 runs from Jadeja's third over and reaching his well-deserved 50 off just 35 balls. Rajat Patidar joined the party with a massive six off Theekshana.  Unfortunately, du Plessis was run out in the 13th over, but Patidar continued his onslaught, hammering boundaries and sixes off various CSK bowlers. Green also chipped in with some powerful strokes, including back-to-back sixes off Shardul Thakur.  He was dropped by Gaikwad in the deep, but it proved costly for CSK as Patidar continued to score freely. Despite Patidar's dismissal and a late cameo from Dinesh Kartik (14) and Glenn Maxwell (16), RCB had already established a strong foundation. Their disciplined batting effort ensured they posted a challenging 218 runs on the board, putting significant pressure on CSK in their chase for a playoff berth.

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