The match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was a crucial encounter for both teams as they fought to keep their playoff hopes alive. RCB, placed seventh on the points table, desperately needed a win to stay in contention, while fifth-placed DC also required a victory to improve their chances of making the top four.
Batting first after winning the toss, DC posted a competitive total of 181/5 in their 20 overs. Abhishek Porel top-scored with 65 runs, while Jake Fraser-McGurk contributed a quickfire 50. For RCB Lookie Ferguson and Mohammed Siraj were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each.
In response, RCB got off to a solid start with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis putting on a 75-run opening partnership. Kohli continued his impressive form, scoring 92 runs off just 54 balls. However, RCB lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, putting the chase in jeopardy.
Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror then stitched together a crucial partnership to keep RCB in the hunt. Karthik played a cameo of 30 runs off 15 balls, while Lomror remained unbeaten on 35 off 19 deliveries. With 11 runs needed off the final over, Lomror hit a six and a four to seal a thrilling one-wicket victory for RCB with just 2 balls to spare.
The match was a testament to the competitive spirit and skill displayed by both teams. RCB’s victory kept them in the race for the playoffs, while DC’s loss dented their chances of finishing in the top four.
Key Highlights
- Abishek Porel’s 65-run knock and Jake Fraser-McGurk’s 50 helped DC post a challenging total of 181/5.
- Virat Kohli’s 92-run innings and his 75-run opening partnership with Faf du Plessis laid the foundation for RCB’s chase.
- Mahipal Lomror’s unbeaten 35 off 19 balls and his crucial partnership with Dinesh Karthik proved to be the difference in the end.
- RCB’s thrilling one-wicket victory with just 2 balls remaining kept their playoff hopes alive.
Head-to-Head
In the overall head-to-head record, RCB has the upper hand, winning 19 out of 30 matches against DC, who won 11 times, with one match ending without a result. At the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, RCB has won 7 out of 12 matches against DC.
Pitch Report
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is known for its batting-friendly conditions, with a flat pitch and short boundaries that aid explosive strokeplay. In IPL 2024, the average first innings score at this venue has been 195, while the average second innings total is 186. The highest recorded total was 287/3 by Sunrisers Hyderabad against RCB, and the lowest was 147/10 by Gujarat Titans against RCB.
Key Players
- Virat Kohli (RCB): The Indian superstar has been in brilliant batting form throughout IPL 2024, scoring 634 runs in 12 innings. He is the safest choice for fantasy contests and leads the IPL 2024 orange cap list.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC): The young Australian has impressed with his aggressive batting style, scoring 309 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 235.87. He is a prime pick for fantasy contests from the DC team.
- Mahipal Lomror (RCB): Lomror has been in good form, scoring 268 runs in 10 matches. He has provided solidity to RCB’s middle-order and is a great option for fantasy contests.
Prediction
Despite DC’s captain Rishbh Pant’s one-match suspension due to a slow over rate, RCB cannot afford to be complacent. Both teams will be eager to secure a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with the toss-winning captain likely to choose to field first, considering the pitch conditions and the results of the season so far.
