Following RCB’s qualification to the final after a win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier One, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar praised the bowling performance of the pace department and spinner Suyash Sharma. However, RCB sealed their fourth IPL final spot, defeating PBKS in a one-sided Qualifier One by eight wickets at Mullanpur on Thursday as well.
Speaking in the post-match presentation, Patidar said, “I think we were clear about our plans and how we have to bowl. I think the fast bowlers used the surface really well. The way Suyash chipped in and the way he bowled his lines and lengths were really good. As a captain, I am clear about his bowling. He has to target the stumps, that is his strength. His wrong ‘un is difficult for the batters to read. I always want to give him clear ideas, I do not want to confuse him. I am okay if he concedes a few runs (in the process.)”
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On opener Phil Salt’s batting, he shared, “The way he (Salt) is batting in most of the matches. The way he is giving starts, I am a big fan of him. It’s a treat to watch him from the dugout.”
He concluded, “I always thank RCB fans, not only in Chinnaswamy, but wherever we go we feel it’s our home ground. We love you, so keep supporting us. One more game and let’s celebrate together.”
After RCB opted to bowl first, PBKS was reduced to 48/4 in the powerplay, where Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood and Yash troubled the batters. Marcus Stoinis (26 in 17 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Azmatullah Omarzai (18 in 12 balls, with a four and a six) helped PBKS reach to 101 in 14.1 overs. Suyash Sharma (3/17) and Josh Hazlewood (3/21) were the leading bowlers for RCB as well.
In the run-chase, RCB lost Virat Kohli (12) and Mayank Agarwal (19) early, but Phil Salt (56* in 27 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and captain Rajat Patidar (15*) helped RCB win the match convincingly in 10 overs with eight wickets left. Kyle Jamieson and Musheer Khan took a wicket each as well.
