The highly anticipated 50th match of the IPL 2019 season took place on May 1, 2019, at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced off against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
In a stunning display of bowling prowess, the Rajasthan Royals decimated RCB’s batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 62 runs in just 5 overs. The star with the ball for RR was Shreyas Gopal, who orchestrated a brilliant spell, claiming three wickets for just 12 runs. Gopal's spell included the prized scalps of RCB’s captain Virat Kohli (25 runs off 11 balls), AB de Villiers (10 runs off 12 balls), and Marcus Stoinis (0 runs off 4 balls). RCB's batsmen struggled to find their footing against a relentless RR bowling attack, with only a few contributions coming from the likes of Gurkeerat Singh and Parthiv Patel, who scored 6 runs each, and Pawan Negi who made 4 runs before being dismissed.
Chasing a paltry target of 63 runs, the Rajasthan Royals began their innings with confidence. Sanju Samson led the charge, scoring a brisk 28 runs off 20 balls, while Liam Livingstone provided solid support with an unbeaten 11 runs off 20 balls. With a stunning run rate of 12.3 runs per over, RR comfortably reached the target in just 3.2 overs, finishing their innings at 41 runs for the loss of just one wicket. The only wicket to fall was that of Sanju Samson, who was dismissed by the experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
The match proved to be a one-sided affair, highlighting the significant gap between the batting performances of both teams. RCB’s struggle this season continued as they tumbled to another defeat, while the Rajasthan Royals showcased their bowling strength, firmly establishing their position in the tournament. It was a historic night at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and fans will certainly remember this match for the sheer dominance exhibited by the Rajasthan Royals.