IPL 2019, Match 49: RCB vs RR – Rain, Sixes, Wickets and Rain
The Royal Battle at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium yesterday lasted for only 8.2 overs. Bengaluru weather prevailed in the end. Rain washed out the hopes of Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore of gaining two valuable points. ‘No result’ ended RCB’s slim chances of the playoffs while it also harmed RR’s shot at the top four.
The toss took place on time, but it started pouring down after it. The rain stopped quite late and the wet patches forced the ground inspection to be pushed down to 11:05 PM. Ultimately, a five-over match was scheduled. With only 10 balls remaining, the rain returned and the game was called off. Here are the talking points from the mini-match.
Virat Kohli’s whirlwind knock
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers stormed out to bat for RCB
RCB captain lost his tenth toss of the season. After being inserted to bat first, Kohli unleashed his rage on RR bowlers. The very first ball bowled by Varun Aaron was dispatched into the stands for a six, so was second. Kohli welcomed his nemesis, Shreyas Gopal, with a six as well. He eventually perished in attempting another big shot and was dismissed for a stellar 25 from 7 balls. Tests, ODIs, T20s or T5, class remains permanent.
Shreyas Gopal picks a hat-trick
With 35 runs in first nine balls, RCB was on course to an impressive total and then they ran into Shreyas Gopal. The leggie dismissed Kohli and AB de Villiers on consecutive balls. He then sent back Marcus Stoinis on the following ball to complete a hat-trick. All three were caught dismissals. This was Gopal’s first IPL hat-trick. He also became the first bowler to get rid of Kohli and ABD in the same match thrice.
Rain spoils the contest
Scene at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
RCB kept losing wickets at a fair click and posted 62/7 in their five overs. RR sent Liam Livingstone and Sanju Samson to open the innings. The duo did play out a few dot balls but ensured regular boundaries to keep the required run rate down. Needing 22 from 11 balls, RR lost Samson. Instead of next batsman, the rain came out to bat. A thrilling finish was robbed as the weather played spoilsport.
