RCB secures playoff spot; Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma shed tears of joy, video viral

BENGALURU: Royal Challengers Bangalore reached the playoffs of the 17th season of the IPL by defeating the Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs in yesterday's crucial match, which was full of excitement until the last over. Yesterday's match was very crucial for Bengaluru fans. A loss or a win by less than 18 runs would have meant the end of their season.

Virat Kohli shed tears of joy on the field, which moved fans and his wife Anushka, who was in the gallery. Videos of stars and fans sharing their happiness are rife on social media.

Aaarrr Ceeee Beeee ❤️👏

6️⃣ in a row for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ❤️

They make a thumping entry into the #TATAIPL 2024 Playoffs 👊

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/7RQR7B2jpC#RCBvCSK | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/otq5KjUMXy

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 18, 2024

Batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 218 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Chennai managed to score 191 runs for the loss of seven wickets. If they had scored 201 runs, Chennai could have reached the playoffs.

For Chennai, Ravindra Jadeja (42 not out in 22 balls) and MS Dhoni (25 in 13 balls) put up a partnership of 61 runs in 27 balls but failed to reach the playoffs. In the last over, Chennai needed 17 runs to seal the playoffs. Dhoni gave Chennai hope by hitting a six off the first ball of that over bowled by Yash Dayal.

But on the next ball, Yash gave Bengaluru a breakthrough when Dhoni was caught by Swapnil Singh. Yash conceded just one run from the next four balls and confirmed Bengaluru's playoff spot. Yash took two wickets. Opener Rachin Ravindra (61 off 37 balls) was Chennai's top scorer. Rahane scored 33 runs. RCB, who were at the bottom at one stage, secured the playoffs by winning six matches straight. They are currently in the fourth position.

Captain Faf du Plessis, who scored a half-century (54 off 39 balls), Virat Kohli (47 off 29 balls), Rajat Patidar (41 off 23 balls), Cameron Green (38 not out off 17 balls), Dinesh Karthik (14 off 6 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (16 off 5 balls) all made crucial contributions with the bat. Openers Kohli and du Plessis got off to a good start. In three overs, Bangalore were 31 for no loss of wickets. The match was stopped due to rain and resumed after half an hour.