Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals Secure Thrilling Victory

Indian Premier League Eliminator held in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan Royals clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, securing a spot in Qualifier 2. West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell sealed the win by smashing a powerful six over long-on, chasing down the target of 173 with six balls remaining. They will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday for a chance to advance to the final against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

RCB scoring was led by Rajat Patidar, who scored 34 runs from 22 balls but they were restricted to 172-8 in their 20 overs, with Ravichandran Ashwin claiming 2-19. Despite a contribution of 33 runs from former captain Virat Kohli, RCB quest for their first Indian Premier League title remains unfulfilled.

Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a solid start for Rajasthan Royals with a brisk 45 off 30 balls, featuring eight boundaries. However, Cameron Green dismissed him, and captain Sanju Samson fell for 17, leaving Royals at 86-3. Riyan Parag’s 36 off 26 balls and Shimron Hetmyer’s 26 off 14 propelled Royals towards victory, with Powell’s unbeaten 16 guiding them across the finish line.

Royals were without Jos Buttler, who had joined the England squad for their T20 series against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders secured their place in the final with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sunrisers in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday.