In a thrilling clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, May 4, Mohammed Siraj stole the spotlight with a remarkable comeback. The right-arm pacer showcased his resilience after battling illness, delivering a stellar performance that earned him accolades.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Faf du Plessis led RCB onto the field in front of an electric crowd. Siraj, entrusted with the new ball, displayed his prowess by swiftly dismissing openers Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill, setting the tone for his team’s dominance. His early breakthroughs, coupled with economical bowling, restricted the opposition, conceding a mere nine runs in his initial spell of two overs.
Despite struggling with form prior to the game, Siraj redeemed himself, clinching the Player of the Match title with figures of 2/29 in his four overs, aiding RCB to clinch their third consecutive victory.
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Post-match, Mohammed Siraj disclosed his battle with illness, recounting how he contemplated missing the game due to his condition. However, fueled by determination, the Hyderabad-born cricketer defied odds to deliver a match-winning spell.
“I was really ill for the last few days, thought I might not be able to play today but I really wanted to play so it was great that I was able to,” Mohammed Siraj remarked, as quoted by Hindustan Times. He attributed his success to rigorous practice with the new ball, reminiscent of his previous achievements.
Reflecting on his morning, Siraj revealed his initial apprehensions about playing, yet his unwavering resolve propelled him to manifest his desired outcome. He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning between red and white-ball cricket, stressing the importance of giving one’s utmost effort in every delivery.
Mohammed Siraj’s stellar performance not only bolsters RCB’s campaign but also instils confidence ahead of his representation for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. With four wins from 11 matches, RCB’s playoff aspirations remain alive. Led by du Plessis, the team’s disciplined bowling effort, supported by Yash Dayal and Vijaykumar Vyshak, ensured a paltry target of 147 for the Titans.
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In response, Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli dazzled the crowd with a formidable opening partnership, setting the stage for victory. While du Plessis’s explosive knock of 64 off 23 balls set the tone, Kohli’s steady innings of 42 off 27 balls contributed significantly. Despite a minor middle-order hiccup, Dinesh Karthik and Swapnil Singh guided RCB to victory with four wickets and 6.2 overs to spare, much to the delight of their fervent supporters.
