Rajasthan Royals (RR) dashed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's dreams with a nervy four-wicket win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
RR restricted RCB to 172/8 after Sanju Samson opted to bowl on winning a crucial toss. Offie R Ashwin (2/19) was the pick of the RR bowlers. Rajat Patidar top-scored for RCB with 34.
RR lost wickets in the middle overs as RCB clawed their way back into the game, before the inaugural edition's winners overhauled the target with an over to spare.
Rovman Powell (16 not out) guided them home. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (45 off 30 balls), Riyan Parag (36 off 26) and Impact Player Shimron Hetmyer (26 off 14) too shone with the bat as RR returned to winning ways after four losses and an abandoned game.
RR will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 at Chepauk on Friday to set up a title clash with Kolkata Knight Riders. The loss ended RCB's six-match winning streak as their search for a maiden IPL title continues.