IPL 2023: RCB vs MI Review – Virat, Faf complete a famous win at Chinnaswamy
Royal Challengers Bangalore recorded a dominating eight-wicket win over rivals Mumbai Indians to kick off their Indian Premier League 2023 campaign in style. Tilak Verma’s career-best 84* off 46 dragged Mumbai Indians from 48/4 in nine overs to 171/6 total. But the hosts managed to chase the target with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis smashing big knocks.
Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bowl first at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Arshad Khan and Nehal Wadhera made their T20 debuts while RCB handed Michael Bracewell a start ahead of New Zealand star Finn Allen.
Both Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan struggled for the shots from the very beginning as RCB bowlers dominated the powerplay overs. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Ishan in the third over to give RCB an opening and Akash Deep removed Rohit in the sixth over who scored just one run off ten balls.
Cameron Green failed to make an impact on his highly-anticipated debut while the world no.1 T20I batter Suryakumar scored just 15 off 16. Tilak stood firm and kept the scoreboard moving by smashing a brilliant fifty. He did not get much support from one end but he single-handedly took Mumbai to a big total.
Tilak ended the innings with six to remain unbeaten on 84* off 46 with nine fours and four sixes. Karn Sharma took two wickets for 32 while Harshal Patel and Akash proved costly for the Royal Challengers.
Kohli and du Plessis gave Bangalore a quick start to take early control of the game. Both the veterans looked in control with their shot selection as Mumbai bowlers struggled for the openings.
The duo pulled off brilliant fifties and produced a huge 100-plus partnership to avoid early pressure in RCB’s chase. Faf du Plessis smashed 73 off 43 before getting out on Arshad’s delivery in the 15th over. Green picked his maiden wicket to dismiss Dinesh Karthik in the next over.
But Glenn Maxwell and Kohli ensured a smooth win by avoiding losing further wickets. Kohli top-scored with unbeaten 82 runs and finished the game with a six with 22 balls to spare.
Top performers of the match:
Tilak Verma
The 20-year-old left-handed batter played a memorable knock to help Mumbai Indians score a challenging total. He batted in no.5 and single-handedly changed the momentum. Verma ended the innings with a big six off Harshal Patel to notch up his highest T20 score.
Virat Kohli
The star batter continued his red-hot form by smashing 82* off 49 with the help of six fours and five sixes. He finished the innings in style by smashing a big six off Arshad to help RCB clinch the game in just 16.2 overs.
What’s next for both teams?
Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their next game on April 6 while Mumbai Indians host Chennai Super Kings on April 8.
