Said to the boys that if we get two or three early wickets, it will be hard for them: Faf du Plessis on RCB’s sublime win against LSG

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pulled off an extraordinary win against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their own backyard, as Faf du Plessis’ men defended a 127-run target to register a famous 18-run win. 

Opting to bat first, RCB put on a par score of 126 on the board, thanks mainly to knocks from Faf (44), Virat Kohli (31) and a handy 11-ball 16 from Dinesh Karthik on a pitch that had a lot of assistance for the spinners.  Despite an injury to KL Rahul, LSG would have thought they had the upper hand at the break, but the RCB bowlers had better ideas in mind. 

Spearheaded by a returning Josh Hazlewood (2/15) and Karn Sharma (2/20), RCB strangulated the LSG batting unit with consistent wickets, and with the home team on 38/5 at one stage, it was only an effort to bat out the overs by the tail that took the game until the penultimate ball with Lucknow eventually falling short of the target by 18 runs.

RCB skipper Faf du Plessis was adjudged as the Player of the Match for an incredible 40-ball 44 on a pitch that proved to be a nightmare, in addition to his fabulous captaincy in the middle. 

Talking in the post-match conference, Faf du Plessis addressed quite a few concerns, including the likes of the pitch’s nature, the oscillating encounter and most importantly how RCB turned the tide albeit with very little leeway in their favour.

He started by talking about the surface, stating, “Complete opposites (comparing it to Bengaluru). To have a fifty partnership in the first six overs was a match-winning partnership in the end.” 

He also explained how the track was functioning, adding, “Batting first was important. They had four spinners but it looked like right through, playing spin was hard work. It is a little bit easier for a captain, at the Chinnaswamy, it feels like the ball is going everywhere (smiles). I would have liked 135. In my mind, that was a really good score and we were going towards that score. Once again, if you come in on this pitch, it is really tough to score.”

Faf would conclude by talking about his mantra for the boys, saying, “Said to the boys that if we get two or three early wickets, it would be hard for them. I am super happy for Karn. One of those guys who does the hard work all the time but does not get the recognition. Playing at Chinnaswamy is tough for a leg-spinner. Unbelievable from him tonight. We have missed Hazlewood's experience. Someone like him brings so much calmness and composure. Nice way to ease him into the competition.”