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Xtra Time Web Desk: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fast bowler Mohammed Siraj produced one of the best spell of bowling inside the 1^st Powerplay to help his side register a comprehensive 8 wickets win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 39 of IPL 2020 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Wednesday. After restricting KKR to a paltry total of 84/8, the RCB batsmen chased the target in 13.3 overs. Siraj was chosen the Man of the Match for his magnificent bowling effort 4-2-8-3 including two consecutive maiden overs. At one point Siraj’s bowling figure read 3-2-2-3. The Knight Riders never looked to bounce back after being reduced for 14/4 inside the first 6 overs. Captain Eoin Morgan was the top scorer for KKR with 30 runs.

Chasing 85 runs to win RCB got a brisk start from its openers Aaron Finch (16 off 21) and Devdutt Padikkal (25 off 17), putting 46 runs for the first six overs before both of them falling in quick succession. RCB Captain Virat Kohli (18) and Gurkeerat Maan Singh (21 off 26) had no problems whatsoever in seeing the team home with 27 balls to spare.

RCB though still holds the record of scoring the lowest total, being bowled out for 49, coincidentally against KKR, in 2017. The win on Wednesday took RCB to second on points table behind Delhi Capitals on 14 points.

Talking about Mohammed Siraj’s bowling performance, RCB captain Virat Kohli said, “Last year Siraj had a tough year and a lot of people went hard at him. This year he has worked hard and was bowling well in the nets. He has seen the results now but we want him to keep following the process."

Kohli initially thought of starting the bowling with Morris and Washington Sundar but changed minds and handed it over to Siraj.

“I was thinking Washy for the new ball. It was a good toss to lose because we would have batted first. The plan was to bowl Washy and Morry, but then we thought let's go Morris and Siraj. The management has set in a culture where there is proper planning. It is not random. We have a Plan A, B and C. We are here to execute the plans we have in place.”

KKR Captain Eoin Morgan held his batsmen responsible for the poor show. According to Morgan, the absence of Russell and Narine had a huge impact.

"I think it started with batting. Being four or five down as early as we were is disappointing. RCB bowled well, but we should have countered that better. With that dew, we probably should have bowled first. Hopefully Russell and Narine will be fit and available around the corner. Two guys of that calibre, particularly when they are allrounders, is a big hole. Hopefully they will be available down the line."