Royal Challengers Bangalore fans were on the edge of their seats as their team entered the last game of the Indian Premier League season against the Punjab Kings. RCB found themselves in a must-win situation to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Heading into the match, RCB were placed fifth on the points table with 14 points from 13 games. With a superior net run rate over Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, Virat Kohli's side needed a win to leapfrog the two teams and secure a top four finish. Had they lost, their tournament would have been over.
Punjab were already out of contention for the playoffs, giving them freedom to play fearless cricket. However, RCB knew that they had their fate in their own hands with a victory sealing their spot in the final four. Anything less than two points would send them packing.
RCB got off to a positive start by restricting Punjab to a below-par total. Key contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga and Josh Hazlewood helped keep the batting side in check. But it was still no easy task chasing the target on a worn pitch with the pressure of elimination on the line.
Skipper Faf du Plessis led by example, anchoring the innings with a responsible fifty. Youngster Rajat Patidar played a pivotal knock to take the team closer. Despite a middle order wobble, Dinesh Karthik once again demonstrated his finishing skills to see RCB over the line with two balls to spare.
RCB fans could finally breathe a sigh of relief as their side scraped through to the playoffs on a dramatic final day. It was testimony to their never-say-die attitude that they kept their hopes alive till the very end.
