Virat’s fifty helps RCB end with consolation win
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) rode Virat Kohli’s 45-ball-58 and an allround show from Pawan Negi to beat Delhi Daredevils (DD) by 10 runs in a thrilling Indian Premier League 2017 encounter at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Sunday.
With 13 runs to win from the last over, Negi was again the hero for RCB as he conceded just three runs and claimed two wickets. He was the most successful bowler for his side with Harshit Patel (3/43) and Travis Head (2/30) also contributing to the victory.
Batting first, Virat Kohli (58 off 45 balls) and Chris Gayle (48 off 38 balls) produced solid batting performances to take RCB to 161/6 in 20 overs. It was the fourth half century for the RCB skipper this season and his innings consisted of three fours and as many sixes. RCB lost Vishnu Vinod early, but the 66-run stand between Gayle and Kohli provided the perfect platform for the visitors.
It was a vintage Kohli innings as he looked comfortable against the DD bowlers and was able to bring up a well-deserved fifty in just 39 balls. RCB did lose the plot towards the end but three consecutive boundaries by Negi in the final over took them past the 150-run mark.
Chasing 162, the Daredevils were off a horrible start as the hosts lost opener Sanju Samson in the first over. Avesh Khan was able to surprise him with a pacy delivery and Samson ended up giving an easy catch to Kohli at mid-on off the second ball of the innings.
Shreyas Iyer and Karun Nair did not let that affect them and were able to add quick runs. Nair looked in good touch as he slammed Yuzvendra Chahal for a boundary through square leg and then played a brilliant cover drive for another boundary off Avesh.
Iyer was not far behind as he pummelled Chahal for a six over long-on. However, RCB were able to get the important breakthrough as their 40-run partnership was broken in the sixth over when Nair went for a lofted shot but was caught at short fine leg by Kedar Jadhav for 22.
Rishabh Pant joined Iyer and started playing his shots from the first ball. The youngster has shown great form in this tournament and he slammed Head for a huge six over long-off. The pair added 41 in 31 balls before Iyer was dismissed by Patel for 32.