Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets on Wednesday evening. It was a classy performance by the strong pace bowling line-up, led by Australian campaigner Josh Hazlewood, experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and impressive Rasikh Salam, who crushed the LSG batting line-up.
The slow nature of the Chinnaswamy pitch did play a role in the mindset of the home team, which went in steadily while chasing the modest 147. However, once captain Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli immersed themselves in the conditions, it became easy as RCB chased down the target in 15.1 overs, with Kohli missing out on a well-deserved half-century by one run while Patidar scored 27.
Kohli played a typical innings during the chase, striking well over 200 at the start as RCB quickly overcame the early dismissal of Phil Salt.
Virat scored 49 courtesy of four boundaries in Prince Yadav’s over, while Devdutt Padikkal scored 10 before losing his wicket. But Patidar continued his six-hitting ways — two in a row off Mohammed Shami and one off Prince — as RCB whittled down the target considerably.
Before the batters showed up, RCB gained the upper hand over LSG through exceptional spells by Salam (4/24), Bhuvneshwar (3/27), and Hazlewood (1/20).
LSG only managed to score 146 in their allotted 20 overs due to a masterclass from Hazlewood and Kumar in the power play.
Brief Scores:
Lucknow Super Giants: 146 all out in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 40, Ayush Badoni 38; Rasikh Salam Dar 4/24, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/27, Krunal Pandya 2/38).
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 149 for 5 in 15.1 overs (Virat Kohli 49; Prince Yadav 3/32).
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