Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik consolidated Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they posted a total of 173 runs in the CSK vs RCB IPL 2024 Opener. A gritty 48 from Rawat and a 33-run knock from Dinesh Karthik made sure to keep RCB in the game with a 95-run standoff just 57 balls after the top order faltered quickly.
In the opening clash of IPL 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by du Plessis, chose to bat first after winning the toss against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Mustafizur Rahman starred for CSK, claiming four crucial wickets to shake up RCB’s top order.
Despite a solid start, with RCB reaching 41/0 in 4.3 overs, CSK fought back fiercely. Mustafizur wreaked havoc by dismissing Faf du Plessis early, followed by Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell, both departing without scoring.
Anuj Rawat consolidates RCB:
RCB continued with a poor performance as CSK’s spinners and Mustafizur tightened the grip with their effective bowling, holding RCB in a chokehold. The home crowd rallied behind CSK, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadium.
Even Virat Kohli, who had scored 21 off 20 deliveries, fell victim to Mustafizur’s brilliance, with the bowler adding Cameron Green’s wicket to his tally. This flurry of dismissals left RCB struggling at 78/5.
However, Rawat managed to break the silence by smashing two fours in just six balls. His highlight was a ramp shot that sailed over Dhoni’s head off Chahar’s delivery, stunning the crowd momentarily. Rawat added 48 off 25 balls. He hit stellar four boundaries and 3 Maximums as he led the charge for RCB before being run out.
Anuj found a complimenting partner in veteran Dinesh Karthik who made a significant contribution with an unbeaten 38-run knock from 26 balls as Bengaluru posted a target of 174 runs for Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings. Karthik also smashed 3 boundaries and 2 sixes during his innings