In Pics, IPL 2022 Eliminator: Brilliant Patidar smashes RCB into Qualifier 2

Rajat Patidar was the unlikely hero as he hammered a magnificent hundred on Wednesday to help Royal Challengers Bangalore edge out Lucknow Super Giants by 14 runs and move within one win of the IPL final. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Patidar, who was only drafted into the side midway through the tournament as an injury replacement, smashed 112 not out off 54 deliveries in the Eliminator. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

The 28-year-old Patidar struck 12 fours and seven sixes to lead Bangalore to a total of 207 for four against Lucknow. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Lucknow skipper KL Rahul made 79 but was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in the penultimate over, with 28 still needed, as they finished on 193-6. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Bangalore made a poor start batting first, losing skipper Du Plessis for a duck before former captain Virat Kohli fell for a scratchy 24-ball 25. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

But Patidar took the attack to the LSG bowlers and brought up his first T20 century, from just 49 balls, with a six. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Dinesh Karthik provided Patidar with crucial support, making a brisk 37 not out as the pair put on 92 in only 6.5 overs. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Lucknow lost Quinton de Kock in the first over of their reply and Manan Vohra fell for 19 off 11 deliveries. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

But Rahul and Deepak Hooda eased through the gears in compiling a 96-run third-wicket partnership. (BCCI/IPL Photo)

Hooda hit four sixes and one four in his 45 before he was clean bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Lucknow needed 41 runs from the final three overs, with Rahul still at the crease. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

But Hazlewood took wickets with successive deliveries in the 19th over to all but seal victory for Bangalore. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Rahul tried to scoop Hazlewood (3-43) but was taken brilliantly by Shahbaz Ahmed at short fine leg, quickly followed by Krunal Pandya, who was caught and bowled. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Dushmantha Chameera hit a massive six off Harshal Patel's third delivery in the final over but Lucknow came up short. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)