IPL 2020: RCB vs RR Review – Clinical RCB cruise past Royals in Dubai

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are gaining a nice little momentum in the ongoing IPL season. After defeating Mumbai Indians in the Super Over, they have breezed past the Rajasthan Royals in the 15th match of the tournament.

The Royals won the toss and opted to bat first but found it tough to get going. Their star-studded top three returned to the pavilion early, leaving the middle order to do the bulk of the run-scoring. It was due to Mahipal Lomror’s 47 and Rahul Tewatia’s quickfire 24 that they reached 154 in 20 overs.

In response, RCB lost Aaron Finch in the third over itself to Shreyas Gopal but since then it was all one-way traffic. Devdutt Padikkal played some brilliant strokes while Virat Kohli eased his way into his comfort zone. Both batsmen added 99 runs for the second wicket and by the time Padikkal got out, RCB were in a winning position. Kohli, at the other end, made sure that there were no final hiccups in the chase, remaining unbeaten on 72 off 53 balls. RCB sealed the game in the final over of the innings.

Turning Point

Chahal’s spell – Yuzvendra Chahal came on to bowl in the 5th over of the innings and struck immediately to pick Sanju Samson’s wicket. It was a brilliant return catch from the leggie and then he also sent back Robin Uthappa cheaply. His third wicket was of Mahipal Lomror who was looking good at 47. His wicket was crucial as it helped RCB restrict RR to a lower total. Chahal ended with the figures of 3/24 in his four overs and deservedly won the Man of the Match award.

Top performers

Records/Personal Milestones

• Virat Kohli completed 5500 runs in the IPL
• This is the first win for RCB against RR since IPL 2015

Way ahead

RCB will next be in action on Monday evening against the Delhi Capitals while the Royals will face a stiff challenge from the defending champions Mumbai Indians.