From Faf du Plessis to Harshal Patel: Top 3 performances for RCB against RR

Royal Challengers Bangalore registered a fine win over the Rajasthan Royals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium as they rode high on an impressive display from Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell with the bat, while their bowlers showed sharpness to restrict the visitors within 7 runs of the target.

RCB had a couple of early blows to deal with as they lost Virat Kohli and Shahbaz Ahamad in quick succession before the partnership between Maxwell and du Plessis got them back on track. Despite a late collapse, it was a fine display of grit and determination from the bowlers, headlined by a terrific start from Mohammad Siraj to terrific returns for Harshal Patel to register their fourth win of the season. Here are the top three displays for RCB against RR:

1.    Glenn Maxwell – 77 (44)

The Australian all-rounder walked out to bat with RCB in trouble at 12/2 and taking it upon himself to change the tide, Glenn Maxwell smashed all the bowlers around the park. First using the powerplay restrictions to good effect, Maxwell got into the rhythm himself and used the initial platform to smash 77 from 44 balls, a knock that featured six fours and four sixes.

2.    Faf du Plessis – 62 (39)

Owner of the Orange Cap, Faf du Plessis crossed the 400-run mark at the halfway stage of the league as he finished with a tally of 405 runs at the end of his 62-run knock to cement his position right at the top of the race for the most runs. He struck eight fours and two sixes to leave the Royals with a bitter taste in their mouth.

3.    Harshal Patel – 3/32 (4)

Despite a silent start to IPL 2023, Harshal Patel showed his true class, picking up three crucial wickets that included the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson, two batters who could have easily taken the game away from RCB. Harshal later returned to also prize out Ravichandran Ashwin’s scalp, on whom the hopes of the Royals were rested at the fag end of the innings. He was also economical on a day where 371 runs were scored and it was a thrilling finish to a blockbuster tie.