The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has found some inspiring momentum in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They have registered a comprehensive win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) to lead the points table with their third win in four matches. While Yuzvendra Chahal taking a three-wicket haul with the ball, Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli made sure Bangalore chasing down the target conformably.
After winning the toss, the RR skipper, Steve Smith decided to bat first in the first afternoon game of the season. Initially, Rajasthan started on a high as they scored 31 runs in the first three overs itself but the Bangalore bowlers brought their team back in the game. RCB bowler managed to scalp three main wickets of Smith, Jos Buttler, and Sanju Samson in the powerplay overs itself.
WATCH – Yuzvendra Chahal Grabs A Blinder On His Own Bowling
However, Robin Uthappa and Mahipal Lomror tried to save the sinking ship of RR but they only managed to reach a total of 154/6 in their quota of 20 overs owing to a gritty knock from Lomror and some fiery batting from Raul Tewatia in the end.
It was a tricky chase for the RCB and they lost their opener, Aaron Finch, early as well. However, the RCB skipper started off slowly giving himself some time early in the innings. At the other end, the young left-hander Devdutt Padikkal kept on playing some glorious shots. With his skipper at the other end, the youngster also showed maturity as they rotated strike in the middle overs.
WATCH – Navdeep Saini Bowls A Deadly Beamer, Tewatia Takes Revenge
The duo added more than 100 runs for the second wicket and never let the required run-rate drift away. Kohli had crossed his first 50+ score as well, but never let all the hard work go in vain. He accelerated at the perfect time and made sure that the game didn’t go down the wire. He looked in some amazing touch and regained his form at the right time for RCB. Kohli ended unbeaten at 72 off 53 deliveries while AB de Villiers was at the end as the team got over the line in the 20th over comfortably.
Match Summary:
Royal Challengers Bangalore – 158/2 in 19.1 overs (V Kohli: 72*, D Padikkal:62; J Archer: 1/18) defeated Rajasthan Royals – 154/6 in 20 overs (M Lomror: 47; Y Chahal: 3/24, I Udana: 2/41) by 8 wickets and 5 balls to spare
Here is how netizens reacted to RCB’s win:
Form is temporary class is forever ! @imVkohli however I haven’t seen this boy out of form since last 8 years which is unbelievable actually ! Paddikal looks really good need to bat together and see who hits longer 😜
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 3, 2020
2020 really is one screwed up year! @RCBTweets are currently top of the @IPL AND @ChennaiIPL are at the bottom. 🤯 #SelectDugout @StarSportsIndia
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) October 3, 2020
Super happy for the skip!
— Danish Sait (@DanishSait) October 3, 2020
#ViratKohli looked solid,Didn’t commit on front foot vs spinners 👌🏻#rcb
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 3, 2020
A smile and a 50 ! Go @imVkohli ! 💪 #RCBvsRR
— RIDHIMA PATHAK (@PathakRidhima) October 3, 2020
Can’t keep a legend down…@imVkohli becomes the first player in @IPL history to score 5500 runs 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 3, 2020
Virat Kohli has been one of the quality players & his consistency has been amazing. Even after achieving so much one bad patch & there are questions on his form & batting: quite futile that. Quality innings — 72*(53). Top innings. RCB are on top of the points table#RCBvRR
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 3, 2020
Indian ‘Pratibha’ League. Everyday we are seeing youngsters making an indelible impression. Garg, Sharma yesterday…Paddikal today. There isn’t a better feeling than seeing the next generation of Indian cricketers taking centre-stage. 😇🤗 #IPL2020
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 3, 2020
Such an important win for #RCB. Apart from valuable points, improves the Net Run Rate too — and Virat Kohli back in form!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 3, 2020
