IPL 2021: AB de Villiers slams scintillating century in RCB’s intra-squad practice match
The second leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is just around the corner and preparations of all teams are underway. The gala tournament will resume on September 19 with all the remaining matches taking place in the United Arab Emirates. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are one of the teams to watch out for in the season as they enjoyed a sensational run in the initial half.
With five wins in seven games, the Virat Kohli-led side was third in the team standings at the time of season suspension. Hence, they would like to continue their sensational run to lift the elusive title. Meanwhile, RCB’s preparations look on song as several players recently participated in a warm-up game.
They were divided into two teams – RCB A and RCB B, led by Harshal Patel and Devdutt Padikkal respectively. Notably, the likes of captain Kohli, Mohammed Siraj and Dan Christian didn’t feature in the warm-up game due to quarantine protocols. While several players shone in the game, AB de Villiers stood out with a stunning century.
Playing for Patel’s RCB A, AB de Villiers came out to bat in the first innings and put up a batting exhibition. The former South African captain went after the bowlers from the outset and scored runs all over the park. He brought up his half-century in the seventh over and continued his onslaught. He ended up scoring 104 off just 46 deliveries. Notably, his sensational ton was laced with 7 boundaries and 10 sixes.
AB de Villiers ‘pleased’ with his efforts
“When we arrived and I got out off the bus, I thought it’s crazy that we’re trying to play a cricket game in the middle of the day. Luckily the breeze came up, I told Azharudeen that it’s much better now and the pitch will get flatter. We had fun out there, I’m pleased with the runs on the board. It was very stretchy for the first 20 balls out there,” said De Villiers after scoring a magnificent hundred.
Besides De Villiers, Mohammad Azharudden scored 66 runs off 43 ball as RCB A posted 212 while batting first. Chasing the mammoth total, captain Padikkal and KS Bharat provided a rollicking start to RCB B. The latter scored 95 off 47 balls as RCB B achieved the total on the last ball, winning the game by seven wickets. RCB’s official Instagram page shared the highlights of the game.
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