IPL 2020: KXIP vs RCB Review – Rahul special guides Punjab to big win

It was all about KL Rahul in Match 6 of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Stadium. The Kings XI Punjab captain literally ripped apart the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers, especially Dale Steyn and Shivam Dube in the last two overs of the innings. KXIP eventually ended up inflicting a 97-run win on RCB.

RCB opted to bowl first, following which Rahul led from the front and held one end nicely to score the majority of the runs. On the back of his unbeaten 132, KXIP posted 206/3 in their 20 overs.

RCB were never in the chase after starting out poorly, losing three wickets for just four runs. Leg-spinners Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi added more misery by picking three wickets each. AB de Villiers promised for a while but he fell into the trap to leave his team reeling at 57/5. It was only a matter of time before KXIP closed out things. They did so bundling out RCB for 109 in 17 overs.

Turning Points

KL Rahul’s century and his drops – Undoubtedly! This man was batting on a different planet. While all his teammates struggled to even time the ball, Rahul scored runs at a strike-rate of 191.32. He shifted gears dramatically in the last 2 overs churning out 49 runs. Overall, he smacked 14 fours and seven monumental sixes to keep RCB at bay throughout the innings.

But he was able to do that partly because of his counterpart Virat Kohli. Until he reached 89, Rahul had played a chanceless knock. But he gave a couple of chances before getting to 100 and RCB skipper Virat Kohli dropped both the catches. The second one was a dolly and it was a completely bad day at the office for him. Those drops cost RCB more than 40 runs, which took the game completely away from them.

Records/Personal Milestones

• KXIP registered their second biggest win in the IPL with this 97-run victory. Their biggest win by 111 runs came against RCB back in IPL 2011.
• KL Rahul’s 132* is the highest-ever individual score by an Indian in the IPL
• KL Rahul also became the fastest Indian batsman to complete 2000 runs in the IPL

Way ahead

KXIP will meet the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, September 27. While RCB, after a shocker of a defeat, will lock horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians on September 28.