Rajasthan Royals kept their hopes of reaching the playoff stage alive by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 30 runs in the 54th match of VIVO IPL 2018 played at Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur, just finished a few moments ago. RR captain Rahane won the toss and batted first. Tripathi, Klassen and Rahane helped the hosts to post a competitive total. While chasing apart from Parthiv and AB de Villiers none of batsmen contributed.
Rajasthan Royals captain Ajiyanka Rahane won the toss and elected to bat first. Umesh Yadav got the early breakthrough by dismissing Jofra Archer in 2nd over for 0. Captain Rahane and Rahul Tripathi steadied the innings with good stroke play by both batsmen. At the end of 6 overs, Rajasthan Royals scored 45 for 1.
After the power play overs, the Royal Challengers Bangalore did not give away boundaries with ease. Rahul Tripathi completed his maiden half-century this season of 38. Umesh Yadav dismissed Rahane for 33 runs. Both Rahane and Tripathi added 99 runs for the 2nd wicket and then struck again dismissing Sanju Samson on the very next delivery.
Rahul Tripathi continued his aggressive intent and Henrich Klassen came to the crease, scored a quickfire 32 off 21 balls. Tripathi and Klassen added 48 runs for the 5th wicket. K Gowtham also scored 14 off 5 balls. Tripathi remained not out on 80. For RCB, Umesh Yadav was the pick of bowlers with 3 for 25.
Chasing 165, Parthiv Patel and RCB captain Virat Kohli added 20 runs for the 1st wicket. K Gowtham dismissed RCB captain Virat Kohli for 4. Parthiv Patel and AB de Villiers attacked RCB bowlers with attacking stroke play. At the end of 6 overs, RCB scored 55 for 1.
Both batsmen continued their aggressive intent. Sheryas Gopal dismissed Parthiv Patel for 33 runs adding 55 runs for the 2nd wicket. From 75 for 1, Gopal bowled brilliantly and reduced RCB to 98 for 6. AB de Villiers continued his superb batting reaching his half-century off 31 balls.
It was a poor batting display by RCB batsmen. Royal Challengers Bangalore were bowled out for 134 in 19.2 overs. For Rajasthan Royals, Gopal was the pick of bowlers taking 4 for 16.
RR 164 for 5 in 20 overs ( Rahul Tripathi 80*, Rahane 33, Klassen 32, Umesh Yadav 3/25) beat
RCB 134 in 19. 2 overs ( AB de Villiers 53, Parthiv Patel 33, S Gopal 4/16) by 30 runs.
RCB captain Virat Kohli said: Not to be in an ideal place. We were in a great position at one stage. The shots we played were poor. Quite a few positives for us this season, Umesh was outstanding, Chahal also performed well, Moeen grabbed his chances and gave us the balance. Disappointed with the way we lost after cruising at one moment.
RR captain Rahane said: It was a great performance by our bowlers who took us to a respectable total on a slow wicket. Tripathi batted brilliantly while Gopal bowled brilliantly and brought us in the game with regular wickets. We did what we wanted and now hope that fortune comes in our way.
Man of the match Shreyas Gopal said: I am improving day by day. It was good outing and helped our team to stay in the competition. With the way Parthiv and AB de Villiers were going, we thought that the match was gone. Once we got Parthiv Patel out, the game changed and was a dream spell helping team to win the match.
