Royal Challengers Bangalore boast of some of the best batsmen in the T20 format and with the likes of Kohli, Gayle, AB, and Watson. RCB can be considered as IPL's best squad in terms of batting power. Despite all the talent among their ranks, Royal Challengers have underperformed once again this season, this being their fourth loss in six games. With the absence of Mitch Starc, their spearhead last season RCB’s bowling attack looks toothless and their fast bowlers who have leaked too many runs are the biggest concern.
Also read: Gujarat Lions (GL) vs Delhi Daredevils (DD) IPL 2016 Live Cricket Score & Ball by Ball Commentary
Shane Watson is the lone wolf in the bowling line-up with an economy of tad below 9. The spinners, on the other hand, led by Tabraiz Shamsi who replaced Samuel Badree, haven’t been able to bring out their best. Even Chahal who was their go-to bowler last season has put up below par performances. These dismal showing by the bowlers has continued to pile up pressure on their batting line-up to deliver match after match.KKR, on the other hand, was clicked well in all departments, Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa at the top of the order have been in great form for Kolkata Knight Riders, and the bowling unit also has been doing well this season, with both the fast bowlers and spinners pitching in. However, the KKR middle and lower order have been untested this season and need to wake up in case they get a chance to. The collapse against DD in the last game where they lost six wickets in no time should serve as a wake-up call.
Gayle misfires in comeback match, Kohli and Rahul make up Chris Gayle who made a comeback failed to fire in his first game after leave, as he once again fell to a short ball by Morne Morkel in the second over itself after facing seven deliveries. Rahul and Kohli continued their good form putting up an 84 run partnership. Rahul started slow, but once Virat gave him the nod to go big, he didn’t look back, Rahul brought up his 50 in 29 deliveries but failed to capitalize on the start and score a big one as he fell three balls later going for a big one against Piyush Chawla. AB failed, this time, around as he outfoxed a couple of times by Chawla and eventually fell LBW to him. Kohli continued his great form and scored another fifty but a subdued one off 44 deliveries.
Watson, Baby, and Binny give late thrust
After Kohli fell, Watson was joined by Sachin Baby who scored 16 in eight deliveries and even Binny played a 4 ball cameo scoring 16. Watson scored a 34 off 21 deliveries to take RCB to a respectable total of 185 of their 20 overs.
KKR lose Uthappa early and slump to 69 for 4
KKR got off to an awful start as they lost Uthappa in the first over itself. After that wicket, Lynn and Gambhir played it slow and tried to build an innings. KKR lost Lynn in the fifth with the score at just 34. Gambhir looked dangerous again as he scored 37 but was given LBW to a ball that stayed low and hit him right in front of his off stump. Three runs and two overs later Pandey fell too caught in the deep by Sachin Baby. With 10 overs and 120 runs to go, it almost seemed impossible for KKR to win the game.
Pathan and Russell score blistering 96 run partnership to take KKR through
At one point the total looked insurmountable as the run rate crept slightly over 12, but with Andre and Yusuf at the crease, it seemed like KKR had a chance. The whole match changed in the seven overs that they were together, scoring at over 15 an over. RCB did have a chance to send Russell back when he was on 20 when KL Rahul dropped a catch and missed a stumping in the same over. Russell went on to make the most of these chances and exploded scoring 39 off 24. But the big highlight of the match was Yusuf Pathan who dug deep along with Russell and took them out of the rut. He smashed a 60 off just 29 deliveries with six fours and three sixes to take KKR home comfortably with five wickets in the pocket and five balls to spare.
IPL 2016 Points Table and Standings
Pos | Team | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | N/R | Net RR |
1 | Gujarat Lions | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -0.115 |
2 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +0.362 |
3 | Mumbai Indians | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | -0.009 |
4 | Delhi Daredevils | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +0.441 |
5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +0.060 |
6 | Rising Pune Supergiants | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | +0.130 |
7 | Royal Challenger Bangalore | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | -0.031 |
8 | Kings XI Punjab | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | -0.811 |
IPL 2016 Schedule
Date | Time (BST/IST) | Match | Venue |
May 3 | 8 p.m. | Gujarat Lions vs. Delhi Daredevils | Rajkot |
May 4 | 8 p.m. | Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Kings XI Punjab | Kolkata |
May 5 | 8 p.m. | Delhi Daredevils vs. Rising Pune Supergiants | Delhi |
May 6 | 8 p.m. | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Gujarat Lions | Hyderabad |
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