In a game filled with twists and turns, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged past Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs to secure a dramatic playoff spot in the IPL 2024 season. The final over saw a roller-coaster of emotions before RCB emerged victorious.

MS Dhoni’s monster six creates dilemma

Needing 35 runs to win and stay alive in the tournament, CSK began the final over with a glimmer of hope. MS Dhoni, known for his last-over heroics, stepped up to the crease. The first ball from young pacer Yash Dayal turned into a full toss due to a wet ball, and Dhoni capitalized by launching it over the roof of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for a mammoth 110-meter six.

Target changes with new ball into play

Dhoni’s six, however, had an unintended consequence. With the original ball lost on the roof, a new, dry ball was brought into play. This seemingly minor change proved pivotal.

The dry ball offered Dayal more control over his deliveries.

Dhoni departs, CSK’s dream fades

Dayal’s next delivery, a slower ball, deceived Dhoni, who miscued a shot caught by Swapnil Singh at deep backward square leg. This crucial wicket shifted the momentum back to RCB. Despite a valiant effort from other batters, CSK were restricted to 191/7, falling short of their revised target of 201 which would have kept them ahead in net run rate and secured them a playoff spot.

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Dramatic finish secures RCB’s playoff berth

This dramatic sequence of events sealed RCB’s fate. While Dhoni’s six initially ignited hope for CSK, it ultimately led to their downfall by bringing a new ball into play. RCB capitalized on their newfound advantage, securing a thrilling victory and booking their place in the coveted IPL playoffs.

After reaching the RCB dressing room, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Keeper jokingly said: “The best thing to happened today was Dhoni hitting the six outside the ground. We got a new ball which was much better to bowl with.”

The change in ball fortune was evident with Virat Kohli’s reaction, confirming its significance.

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“We have within our grasp, to do something, where people will remember us for many many decades. They’ll say wow, that RCB team was special.” ❤️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2024 #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/nmcuz1JeQB

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 19, 2024

Also READ: IPL 2024 – AB de Villiers elated as RCB clinch dramatic playoff berth with win over CSK

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