Xtra Time Web Desk: An all round display from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) helped them secure a comprehensive 7 wickets win over Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021 match at Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing a total of 150 runs to win, RCB reached the target with 17 balls to spare. The win consolidates RCB’s position in the third spot of the IPL 2021 table with 14 points from 11 games and brighten their chances for play-off spot.
Royal Challengers were off to a blazing start led by their captain Virat Kohli who cracked three boundaries off Chris Morris in the first over. Devdutt Padikkal too slammed Kartik Tyagi for two boundaries in the second over before slamming Mustafizur Rahman for a brace of boundaries in the next over. RCB’s opening duo scored 54 runs in the powerplay. Padikkal was the first to be dismissed bowled by Mustafizur Rahman for 22 runs. Nine balls later Virat Kohli (25) was run after a direct hit from Riyan Parag saw the RCB captain fall short of his crease.
Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell blazed away to an unbeaten 50 off just 30 balls, while Srikar Bharat played sensibly for his 44 off 35 deliveries.
Earlier, RCB staged an excellent comeback as Rajasthan Royals blew away a blistering start to finish at 149 for nine.
Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed (2/10) and leg-break bowler Yuzvendra Chahal (2/18) triggered the slide after RR were cruising at 100 for one in the 11th over. Pacer Harshal Patel (3/34) came close to picking a hat-trick in successive matches, in the final over, but Kartik Tyagi denied him that as RR lost eight wickets for 49 runs.
Evin Lewis top-scored for RR with 58 off 37 balls.