After the game, RCB’s wicketkeeper-battler Dinesh Karthik—who had previously made a crucial 14-over six—said that Dayal was able to execute his variations more fluidly because of the drier ball.
Overcast sky and a constant fear of rain characterized the playing conditions for the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Chennai Super Kings IPL 2024 match.
The match seemed to be slipping away from CSK’s grasp after they were given a target of 219, and effectively 201, to secure a playoff position. But MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja brought the chase back to life, taking their team to the verge of victory as they rallied from 129/6 in 15 overs to only 17 runs needed in the last over, which was delivered by left-arm bowler Yash Dayal, to qualify.
When the legendary MS Dhoni hit a knee-height full-toss on Yash Dayal leg-stump on the opening delivery of the final over, Dhoni smashed out of the ground with a stunning 110-meter six, bringing the equation down to 11 off 5. It almost seemed within touching distance for CSK.
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Ironically, RCB ended up with a drier ball for the next five deliveries, thus this worked out to be a blessing. Dayal’s next delivery was a brave back-of-the-hander that caused Dhoni to misjudge his shot and sent the ball skyrocketing till Swapnil Singh made an outstanding catch. In a stunning turn of events, RCB was able to advance into the playoffs with just one run scored from the next four deliveries.