RCB’s valiant bowling efforts in vain as RR defends 144

On another unfortunate night, the RCB batters failed to fire as they fell short of a modest 144 by a proverbial mile. Despite an excellent display from the bowlers, the batters simply couldn’t capitalise in front of a formidable Rajasthan Royals bowling unit.

Winning the toss, Faf du Plessis would put the Royals to bat where the RCB bowlers were bang on their money right from the word go. It was Mohammed Siraj who would deal the opening blow to the Royals batting order with an absolute peach. Despite a controlled bout of aggression from Ashwin early in the innings, RCB reeled the proceedings back in as Siraj struck again to claim the hard-hitting off-spinner.

Much to RCB’s reprieve, they got the big fish of Jos Buttler way too early in the innings as Siraj grabbed an excellent low catch to remove the English biffer. Despite Sanju Samson’s sturdy striking in the middle, Wanindu Hasaranga produced the magic ball that would clean up the RR captain’s timber.

For the Rajasthan Royals it was Riyan Parag who would play the solitary defender as he took the battle right to the Challengers with some terrific last-moment striking. Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga spearheaded the RCB bowling unit with 6 wickets between them.

With 144 on the cards, the chase seemed relatively easy on the papers. Despite Faf posing as a threat to the Royals, it was the magical over of Kuldeep Sen that would remove Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive deliveries, destabilizing the chase for RCB.

Even though Shahbaz Ahmed fought valiantly in the middle, the ask was momentous and with wickets falling regularly at the other end, it was never going to be easy. They were dismissed for a paltry 115. 

Next up for RCB, will be a tough fixture against the Gujarat Titans on the 30th where it would need a lot more of those soaring spirits and a resolute spirit from the entire team to put their campaign back on track.