Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally registered their first win in the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) against Kings XI Punjab at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Saturday. Captain Virat Kohli scored 67 in their run chase while AB de Villiers smashed an unbeaten 59. They both added 85 runs and made the winning foundation for Bangalore. However, after Kohli’s dismissal, Marcus Stoinis played a crucial knock of 28 off 16 and helped Bangalore to claim a victory.
However, former South Africa player AB de Villiers was adjudged the ‘Man of The Match’. After the match, RCB captain Virat Kohli praised him, saying ‘the best player of his generation’. Moreover, Kohli was hopeful about his team despite their six losses.
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“Maybe, he really enjoyed playing here (grins). I said to him (AB), that he is probably the best player of our generation and he showed it today. (On RCB finally getting a win) Yes, I was telling Gary (Kirsten) that I had brought two points for the side after my recent trip and we got it today (chuckles),” said Kohli.
Mr. 360 adjudged the Man of the Match for his knock of 59* off 38 deliveries. Top knock, ABD 👌👌 pic.twitter.com/i6Go8z5vZi
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 13, 2019
“Most pleasing thing is coming for an interview at this time (Winning captain is interviewed during presentation ceremony as opposed to directly after the match, which is the case for the losing side), and not immediately out of the field. Great feeling to get across the line. Have been unlucky in couple of games. Won’t say we’ve been unlucky in every game, but a couple of games we should’ve closed out before this. After so many setbacks, the guys had desire. That’s one word we spoke about,” Kohli added.
“We thought 190 will be par and to restrict them to 170 was a great effort. To pick up four wickets in eight overs in the middle for 60 runs was an outstanding effort. We knew Chris was going to bat deep,” he said.
“So many opportunities to get dot balls. We knew if we bowled decently to him, we might restrict them,” told about their planning against Gayle.
However, Virat Kohli praised the bowler as they restricted Punjab within a chasable score.
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“The main difference tonight was that our bowlers came back well, which is key in this format. We kept coming back with the ball and then got partnerships with the bat. (On every game being a knockout) It is, but for now, we can’t get too ahead of ourselves,” he added.
