Royal Challengers Bangalore went into the playoffs of the Indian Premier League 2022 after Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals in their final game of the season on Saturday.
The equation was quite simple coming into the game, that DC needed to win their game against Mumbai Indians to reach the playoffs. With 16 points from 14 games, they would have been tied with the Faf du Plessis-led team in the league table, but a much superior runrate would have taken them through.
Royal Challengers Bangalore did not hide their feelings in the build-up to the game and asked for Mumbai Indians for a favour via their social media accounts. In a tense game that saw DC dominate the second half of the game, MI were given a scare after losing three wickets for 95 runs in the 15th over of the game.
Just as they seemed to be in a dominating position to defend 159 runs, a rapid innings from Tim David took them out of the equation.
David, before getting out, scored 34 runs off just 11 balls to give Mumbai the winning momentum before they sealed the deal with five balls remaining.
The RCB camp who were keenly following the game burst out in joy and relief after the final runs were scored and celebrated their win.
The Faf du Plessis lead side have blown hot and cold this season but have managed to do enough to reach the minimum cut-off points needed to make it to the playoffs. They will now travel to Kolkata to play Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator on 25 May.