RCB vs RR: Royal Challengers Bangalore snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against RR on Tuesday at Wankhede Stadium, thanks to a match-winning 67-run partnership between Dinesh Karthik and Shahbaz Ahmed. Chasing a 169-run total, Bangalore made the worst possible start.
RCB lost half of their side for just 87 runs on the board. Yuzvendra Chahal picked the important wickets of Faf du Plessis and David Willey, while Virat Kohli, unfortunately, got run-out. Rajasthan looked all set to register their third consecutive win. However, Dinesh Karthik and Shahbaz Ahmed had other plans.
The duo counter-attacked and stitched a match-winning 67-run partnership for the 6th wicket. Shahbaz Ahmed played a sensational knock of 45 runs in 26 deliveries. Dinesh Karthik, on the other hand, stayed unbeaten on 44 off 23 balls and guided the team home with 5 balls remaining in the match.
Earlier, riding on an outstanding knock of 70 runs in 47 balls from Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals managed to score 169 runs on the board. Padikkal (37 off 29) and Hetmyer (42 off 31) also made valuable contributions with the bat. As for RCB, David Willey (1 for 29) bowled well in the power play, while Harshal Patel (1 for 18) was brilliant in the middle overs as well as at the death.
Dinesh Karthik lifted the man of the match for his brilliant batting, including keeping the game alive for RCB when the side was struggling during the chase.
With that win, RCB has now registered 2 wins in 3 matches. They are due to play their next game against MI on Saturday at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Despite losing the game, Rajasthan Royals is still at the top of the table. They will face Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
