An outstanding half century by ever consistent Virat Kohli, is totally unstoppable, it seems. Royal Challengers Banalore’s (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli’s 54 runs in 45 deliveries was the main force behind their win against Delhi Daredevils (DD) at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur on Sunday. With the win, RCB is on second position in the points table and has confirmed their spot the top-four team for the playoffs.
Unexpectedly, RCB bowling was the main strength of the team against Delhi Daredevils when they restricted DD batting on 138 for 8 after a well built innings from Quinton de Cock (60 of 52). It was then the Kohli’s job to chase down the target and he had done it easily, as always.
DD skipper Zaheer Khan and his another bowling partner Chris Morris gave two big blows to RCB at the start of their chase wrapping up the star AB de Villers as well as the destroyer Chris Gayle when the RCB innings was just on 17. But Kohli, with the help of KL Rahul (38 off 23) started to stabilize the RCB innings. Both played well and formed a much needed partnership. After the loss of Shane Watson, Kohli finished the game with Stuart Binny (16* off 11 balls) with 11-balls to spare.
Earlier, it was the show of RCB bowling after the dismissal of Quinton de Cock. Yazuvendra Chahal, bowled brilliantly by taking 3 important wickets conceding 32 in his 4 overs and now is the purple cap holder with 19 wickets in total. Along with him, the part timer Chris Gayle, who could not score with his batting, took 2 wickets with the ball and stopped the DD batting at the below par score. S Aravind and Chris Joradn took 1 wicket each.
The hero of last few matches Karun Nair was caught by the skipper Virat Kohli, taking a marvelous catch. Karun Nair’s end turned the game towards RCB and helped the team score stop DD at a low score. Chris Morris’ 27 in 18 balls helped the DD innings to get going at the end.
RCB now has confirmed their spot for the playoffs and will now be playing against Gujarat Lions.
By Prajakt K.
