.jpg "IPL 2024 Eliminator: RR and RCB Battle to Avoid Elimination Today")
Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended Sunrisers Hyderabad’s six-match winning streak in the ongoing IPL 2024 with a convincing 35-run triumph at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday. The victory was orchestrated by the Indian spin duo of Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh, who collectively bagged four crucial wickets.
This marked RCB’s second win of the season, their previous victory dating back to March 25 against Punjab Kings at home. On the other hand, SRH faced their first defeat in five games.
The visiting side, led by Faf du Plessis, won the toss and posted a competitive total of 206 for 7, setting a target of 207 for Hyderabad’s formidable batting lineup, which had already made waves with record-breaking performances this season. However, the hosts struggled to reach the target, managing only 171 for 8.
Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, still holding the Orange Cap, played a steady innings of 51 runs off 43 balls and contributed to a 48-run opening partnership with Plessis, who scored a quickfire 25 off 12 balls. The real impetus, however, came from Rajat Patidar’s explosive 50 off just 20 balls, which propelled Bangalore to a commanding total.
In response, Hyderabad’s opening duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma failed to establish a solid foundation. Head fell for just 1 run in the first over to spinner Will Jacks, while Sharma managed a brisk 31 off 13 balls before departing in the fourth, leaving Sunrisers struggling at 37 for 2.
The middle order further crumbled under pressure as Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh struck at crucial intervals, dismissing Aiden Markram (7), Nitish Kumar Reddy (13), and Heinrich Klaasen (7) to leave Hyderabad reeling at 69 for 5 by the eighth over of their chase.
RCB’s all-round performance with both bat and ball proved too much for Sunrisers Hyderabad, halting their impressive winning streak and asserting their dominance in the ongoing IPL season.
