Royal Challengers Bangalore have made a dream start after asked to bowl first against Rajasthan Royals at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. After Isuru Udana cleaned up skipper Steve Smith, Navdeep Saini removed the dangerous man Jos Buttler courtesy an excellent diving catch from Devdutt Padikkal.
The first afternoon game in IPL 2020 saw Rajasthan Royals opting to bat first in Abu Dhabi. But the batters failed to deliver as Royal Challengers Bangalore struck within the powerplays to put Rajasthan on the backfoot. Last night, RCB bowling coach Adam Griffith spent a lot of time with the bowlers which have yielded dividends in the game.
Navdeep Saini removes Jos Buttler
After Steve Smith pulled one back to his stumps off Isuru Udana, Navdeep Saini lived up to expectations removing Jos Buttler from the first ball of the next over. It was a massive strike first-ball by Saini. The umpires wanted to refer it upstairs for a bump ball but Jos was already walking as he saw it to be a clean catch by Devdutt Padikkal to hang on to it diving in front.
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Probably the raw pace undid Jos Buttler. It was a very full delivery and outside off by Navdeep Saini. Buttler tried to squeeze the drive but could only get a thick edge. Devdutt Padikkal was placed at a wide slip, perhaps strategically and it’s straight at him. He bends down on time to grab a sharp low catch and RCB looked absolutely pumped.
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Navdeep Saini capped off the brilliant start with a maiden over. It is only the fourth time in IPL 2020 that a bowler has managed to pick a wicket maiden. Royal Challengers Bangalore continued to build on the pressure as another stunning catch from Yuzvendra Chahal to sent in-form Sanju Samson back in the hunt.
It will now require a stellar effort from Robin Uthappa and Mahipal Lomror, who is playing his first game to bat long and help Rajasthan Royals post a challenging total on the board.