Rajasthan Royals knock out Royal Challengers Bengaluru in thrilling eliminator
Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru were eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a heartbreaking four-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator match played at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
Rajasthan restrict Bengaluru to 172-8, chase down target with six balls to spare
Kabul 24: Rajasthan Royals, who won the toss and elected to field first, restricted Bengaluru to a total of 172-8 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Rajasthan chased down the target with six balls remaining, thanks to a solid team effort with the bat.
Trent Boult and Ravichandran Ashwin shine with the ball for Rajasthan
Trent Boult and Ravichandran Ashwin were the standout performers with the ball for Rajasthan Royals. Boult finished with figures of 1-16, while Ashwin picked up 2-19, playing crucial roles in a disciplined bowling attack.
Rajasthan overcome early hiccups to seal victory
Rajasthan Royals faced some early setbacks in their chase, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (45) and skipper Sanju Samson (17) departing in quick succession. However, Riyan Parag (36) and Shimron Hetmyer (26) steadied the ship with a 45-run partnership, before Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 16 sealed the victory for Rajasthan.
Bengaluru’s dream run ends despite late surge
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s dream run in the tournament came to an end despite their impressive turnaround. After languishing at the bottom of the table for the first eight matches, Bengaluru won six consecutive matches to make it to the playoffs.
Virat Kohli, who finished as the season’s leading run-scorer with 741 runs, including a century and five half-centuries, was unable to guide his team to victory in the eliminator.
Rajasthan to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second qualifier
Rajasthan Royals will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second qualifier on Friday in Chennai, with the winner set to take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the final on May 26.
Kolkata Knight Riders secured their place in the final after a convincing victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first qualifier played in Ahmedabad.
Intense heat adds to the challenges in Ahmedabad
The eliminator match was played under intense heat conditions in Ahmedabad, with temperatures soaring above 43 degrees Celsius for the third consecutive day. The heat took a toll on the players, with substitutes constantly running with towels and water bottles to keep the players hydrated on the field.
Kohli’s fans brave the heat to support their idol
Despite the scorching heat, a sea of Kohli fans turned up at the 132,000 capacity stadium to support their idol. The stadium officials reported that over 85,000 people attended the eliminator match, showcasing the immense popularity of the sport and the players in India.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan hospitalized due to heatstroke
In a concerning incident, Bollywood actor and IPL team owner Shah Rukh Khan was reportedly hospitalized in Ahmedabad due to a heatstroke, a day after he celebrated Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory at the venue.
The intense heat has been a major challenge for players and spectators alike during the ongoing IPL matches in Ahmedabad.
