IPL 2021: SRH vs RCB Review – Bangalore trigger sensational collapse to stop Hyderabad
Royal Challengers Bangalore won their second successive match of the IPL 2021 season beating Sunrisers Hyderabad by six runs on Wednesday in Chennai. Chasing 150 runs to win, Sunrisers Hyderabad were completely dominating the match, much like Kolkata Knight Riders last night against Mumbai Indians. But, just like KKR, Hyderabad also experienced a collapse which led to their downfall.
Earlier in the evening, SRH skipper David Warner won the toss and elected to field. Royal Challengers Bangalore had a steady start with Virat Kohli keeping the innings together. After that, Glenn Maxwell took over. RCB lost the momentum during their middle overs when they slipped from 91 for 2 to 109 for 6.
Maxwell played a calm and composed innings of 59 runs from 41 balls, taking upon the responsibility of helping RCB finish well. His knock ensured them a handy total of 149 from their 20 overs, which was always going to be tricky to chase on the turning and slow Chennai pitch. However, David Warner got his side off to a good start, taking the attack to the opposition.
Considering how it has been difficult to score with the old ball on this Chennai pitch, his knock of 54 off 37 balls was the highlight of the match. Manish Pandey batted patiently for his 38 at a touch less than a run a ball. But, it was the magic over from Shahbaz Ahmed which turned the match into RCB’s favour. After this, Mohammad Siraj and Harshal Patel managed to pull back the match towards RCB completely as SRH fell short by just six runs.
Turning points:
Maxwell’s knock: The Australian all-rounder scored his first IPL fifty since 2016. His knock was the main reason why RCB ended with a respectable score. He put the pressure on the bowlers despite wickets falling in the middle overs. This will be a major confidence boost for him going ahead in the 2021 season.
Just the BIG SHOW we needed. ?
In Maxi we trust! ?? ?? #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 #SRHvRCB #DareToDream pic.twitter.com/P8i2eAWm9v
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 14, 2021
Shahbaz Ahmed’s spell: Earlier in the day, Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed was sent out as a pinch hitter at no.3. He returned with a 10-ball 14 but his major contribution was his two overs spell which jolted the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the 17th over, he took the wickets of Jonny Bairstow, Manish Pandey and Abdul Samad to put SRH on the back foot completely. Before this, SRH was in complete control of the chase. Shahbaz ended with figures of 3 for 7 from two overs.
Personal records/Achievements:
This was the 5th consecutive loss at Chepauk for SRH.
Most fifties against RCB in IPL: David Warner – 8
Leading from the front @davidwarner31!#SRHvRCB | #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/146VRBIoQD
— 100MB (@100MasterBlastr) April 14, 2021
Way ahead:
Bangalore will now face Kolkata in Chennai on April 18 while Hyderabad will take on Mumbai on April 17.
