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Royal Challengers Bengaluru Secure Playoff Berth with Thrilling Victory over Chennai Super Kings
Skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli delivered crucial performances to propel Royal Challengers Bengaluru into the playoffs of the Indian Premier League, clinching a 27-run victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
Bengaluru set a formidable target of 218-5 after Du Plessis contributed with 54 runs, supported by Kohli’s smashing knock of 47, laying a strong foundation for the team’s total at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, despite a rain-interrupted innings.
In response, Chennai managed 191-7, falling short of the required qualification mark, despite a resilient effort from Rachin Ravindra who scored 61 runs, alongside Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 42 and M.S. Dhoni’s contribution of 25 runs.
The match possibly marked Dhoni’s final IPL appearance as a player, setting the stage for a legendary face-off between him and Kohli, two stalwarts of Indian cricket.
Dhoni, aged 42, was anticipated to retire after leading his team to a record-equalling fifth title last year, but decided to return for one more season post a knee operation. This season, he entrusted the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who chose to field first after winning the toss in the virtual knockout for the playoff spot.
Despite an initial offensive onslaught from Kohli and Du Plessis, play was interrupted by rain after the third over, with the momentum shifting upon resumption.
Both batsmen navigated through Chennai’s spin attack, with Kohli hitting a couple of sixes before being denied his half-century by New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who also orchestrated Du Plessis’ run-out.
Subsequent partnerships between Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green stabilized Bengaluru’s innings, setting the stage for a competitive total.
In the bowling department, Bengaluru displayed resilience, with Glenn Maxwell and Yash Dayal making significant contributions, including crucial wickets of Gaikwad and Mitchell.
A standout moment came from Du Plessis, who executed a remarkable catch to dismiss Mitchell Santner, while Jadeja and Dhoni’s late heroics for Chennai fell short as they required 17 runs off the final over to qualify.
With table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad already securing playoff berths, the stage is set for an exhilarating playoff round, commencing with the first qualifier in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, with the final slated for May 26 in Chennai.
