RCB vs CSK: RCB continue fairytale run as they qualify for IPL 2024 playoffs after beating CSK

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on Saturday (May 18), beat Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs to qualify for the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024). They have joined Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the playoffs.

RCB had their back against the wall as only a win was not enough for them to make it to the playoffs. They needed to win by at least 18 runs after posting a 200-plus total to finish the league stage with a better net run rate than CSK's. And the Faf du Plessis-led side responded in style as they won their sixth game in a row to storm into the playoffs.

Asked to bat first, RCB finished their innings on 218 for 5. Captain Faf du Plessis led his side from the very front as he top-scored for RCB, scoring 54. Virat Kohli (47), Rajat Patidar (41), and Cameron Green (38*) also played crucial knocks for RCB to take them to a big total.

CSK needed to score at least 201 runs to qualify for the playoffs. However, they finished their innings on 191 for 7 in 20 overs. With 17 runs needed in the last over to qualify, MS Dhoni hit Yash Dayal's first ball for a six to bring down the equation to 11 from 5. However, the left-arm pacer bounced back in style as he dismissed Dhoni on the very next ball before conceding only a single in the next four balls to power RCB to the playoffs.

RCB's journey in IPL 2024: 

RCB's journey in IPL 2024 is absolutely phenomenal. Their chances of making it to the playoffs looked done and dusted after they lost seven of the first eight games. However, the Bengaluru-based outfit turned their campaign around in a spectacular fashion by winning 6 games in a row including the one against CSK to make it to the playoffs. 

Here is RCB's journey in IPL 2024:

• 1st match: Lost against Chennai Super Kings by six wickets.
• 2nd match: Beat Punjab Kings by six wickets.
• 3rd match: Lost against Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets.
• 4th match: Lost against Lucknow Super Giants by 28 runs.
• 5th match: Lost against Rajasthan Royals by six wickets.
• 6th match: Lost against Mumbai Indians by seven wickets.
• 7th match: Lost against Sunrisers Hyderabad by 25 runs.
• 8th match: Lost against Kolkata Knight Riders by one run.
• 9th match: Beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 35 runs.
• 10th match: Beat Gujarat Titans by nine wickets.
• 11th match: Beat Gujarat Titans by four wickets.
• 12th match: Beat Punjab Kings by 60 runs.
• 13th match: Beat Delhi Capitals by 47 runs.
• 14th match: Beat Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs.