Hopefully we can set it up for that last game against GT at the Chinnaswamy: Faf du Plessis optimistic about RCB’s play-off chances

The Royal Challengers Bangalore scripted a historic win against the Rajasthan Royals, leaving the latter 112 runs short of the stipulated total. In a must-win encounter, RCB put up 171/5 on the board, thanks to half-centuries from Faf du Plessis (55) and Glenn Maxwell (54) while Anuj Rawat’s unbeaten 29 in the end would get them to a fighting total after a slowdown in the middle.

It was the RCB bowlers, however, who would be in the thick of things, as they ran through the RR batting line-up, leaving the visitors shocked to the very core, trying to fathom what had transpired. Wayne Parnell bagged three wickets while Michael Bracewell dealt a double whammy to ensure that RCB never let RR get away and eventually bowled them out for just 59. 

RCB skipper Faf du Plessis was pretty happy with the way the team delivered under high pressure and didn’t hold back his praises. He said, “It was really good. We needed it, in terms of the NRR. It was a really difficult pitch when we batted first. Even in the powerplay, the ball was keeping low and we felt that 160 would be a good score. Those hits towards the end pushed us to a very good score.”

He further added, “We have not quite managed to do it (finish off strongly) well. If you get it, everyone's shoulders are out, and you are ready, so it is really important. That (setting the intensity high) is a non-negotiable for us. Everyone celebrating with real passion, that is very nice to see.”

He would conclude by talking about the remainder of the matches, stating, “Hopefully we can set it up for that last game against GT at the Chinnaswamy. Today was really good for the team and I am sure everyone will be extremely motivated for the next two matches.”