RCB vs GT Review – Kohli’s redemption keeps Bangalore in the race
The Royal Challengers Bangalore comfortably got the better of the Gujarat Titans by eight wickets in a must-win game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 19. This emphatic win has ensured that RCB stay in playoff contention and can make it to the playoffs provided MI beat DC in their final league fixture. Despite this loss, GT finish comfortably at the top of the points table.
Gujarat skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bat first. Both openers Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha ensured a cautious start for the Titans before Glenn Maxwell accounted for the former with an absolute stunner before trapping his countryman Matthew Wade plumb in front of the wicket. Saha looked well set in the middle and showed a fearless intent before an unfortunate run out in the ninth over sent him back for 31 runs off 22 deliveries. Skipper Hardik Pandya roared back to form with an unbeaten 47-ball 62 and a supporting knock of 34 runs off 25 balls by David Miller took GT to 168/5.
In reply, the Royal Challengers Bangalore made their intentions clear in this virtual knockout game as batting megastar Virat Kohli rediscovered his mojo and anchored the run chase successfully as he went on to score his second half-century of this season. He along with skipper Faf du Plessis added 115 runs for the opening stand before the latter was dismissed for 44 runs from 38 balls. Virat looked set for a big score until he was outfoxed by Rashid Khan for a 54-ball 73.
Nonetheless, it was only a mere formality from thereon as Glenn Maxwell (40*) got the job done for his side in the penultimate over.
Top Performers of the game
Virat Kohli
‘Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man’. Virat Kohli proved this proverb right just when it mattered the most for RCB. Chasing a challenging target of 169, Kohli ensured that there were no early hiccups for Bangalore as he took up the responsibility of scoring at a brisk rate. The 33-year-old scored 73 runs from 54 deliveries.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya led his team outstandingly well from the front on the 22 yards just when the Gujarat Titans looked down and out having lost their top-order cheaply. He took matters into his own hands and toyed around with the Bangalore bowlers. The Baroda cricketer’s unbeaten knock of 47-ball 62 helped GT post a competitive total.
What’s next for both sides?
Both sides are done with their respective IPL 2022 league fixtures. While Gujarat Titans became the very first team to make the playoffs this season, they would be competing in the Qualifier 1 having finished at the summit of the points table. With RCB’s win, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad are out from the playoff race and now, they need Delhi Capitals to lose their final league game against Mumbai Indians to go through.
