Ahmedabad, May 22 (Reporter) In a high-stakes IPL Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Wednesday, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) delivered an exceptional bowling performance to limit the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a total of 172 runs. The strategic brilliance of RR's bowlers has set the stage for an exhilarating chase, keeping their playoff dreams alive. The tone was set early by the seasoned pacer Trent Boult, whose opening spell was nothing short of spectacular. Boult’s precision and control during the powerplay were pivotal, especially when he dismissed the dangerous Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis, who looked in good touch with 17 runs off 14 balls (including two boundaries and a six), fell to a well-executed delivery that left RCB’s top order unsettled. Boult's three-over spell, conceding a mere six runs, ensured that RCB could not exploit the fielding restrictions, laying a solid foundation for RR's bowling attack. Transitioning seamlessly from pace to spin, RR handed over the reins to their experienced spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin’s spell was a masterclass in defensive bowling, where his variations and tight lines choked the run flow. His economic figures of 2/19 were instrumental in building pressure on the RCB batsmen, leading to crucial breakthroughs. Ashwin’s strategic prowess shone through as he kept the batsmen guessing, never allowing them to settle and launch a counter-attack. As the innings progressed towards the death overs, RCB looked to accelerate and post a formidable total. Enter Avesh Khan, whose initial overs had been costly, giving away 30 runs. However, Avesh showcased remarkable resilience and skill in his final spell. He executed his deliveries with precision, effectively utilising yorkers and slower balls to stymie RCB’s late charge. His comeback, conceding just 17 runs in his last two overs, was crucial in keeping RCB’s total within a chasable range. Avesh Khan’s turnaround was a testament to his mental fortitude and tactical acumen. The synergy between RR's bowlers was evident as they complemented each other’s efforts seamlessly. The disciplined performance from Boult, Ashwin, and Avesh, supported by the fielders’ sharp efforts, encapsulated a well-rounded bowling display. Restricting a power-packed RCB lineup to 172 was no small feat, and RR's bowlers executed their plans with precision and confidence. With the bowlers having done their job, the onus now shifts to RR’s batsmen to complete the task. The target of 173, while challenging, is within reach given the dew factor, which typically favors the chasing side in the evening games at Ahmedabad. RR’s batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, will need to build on the platform laid by their bowlers and navigate the chase with composure and aggression. As the Rajasthan Royals prepare to take on the chase, the IPL Eliminator promises an exciting finish...////...