IPL 2017: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 5 Talking Points

#3 Dropped catches

Maxwell got a lucky reprieve and so did Amla

Two dropped catches by RCB ensured they never had a chance to fight back against KXIP. When defending a low total as RCB were, it is imperative that the fielding team picks up every opportunity that comes their way, even the half-chances. But RCB dropped two regulation catches.

The first was by Stanlake, who dropped Hashim Amla off the bowling of Tymal Mills. Amla pulled and mistimed one straight to deep fine leg, but the ball burst through Stanlake’s palms. To make matters worse, the ball went over the boundary for a six. Amla was on 20 at that point. He eventually remained unbeaten till the end scoring 58* off just 38 balls, anchoring the chase beautifully.

The wicket could also have given Mills a spring in his step so early in the innings. The second drop was by Mandeep Singh, shutting down any chances for RCB to make a comeback. KXIP were 107 for 2 when Maxwell was dropped at point off the bowling of Watson. The Aussie was on 13 at that stage and finished with 43 off just 22 balls with four sixes and three fours.

In contrast to that, for KXIP, Wriddhiman Saha, a brilliant keeper, took a stunning catch to break the AB-Mandeep partnership.