April 25th 2024.
In a thrilling match held in Hyderabad, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ended their six-match losing streak with a 35-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL on Thursday. The game was set up by an explosive fifty from Rajat Patidar and a strong performance from the spinners.
Patidar's quick 50 off just 20 balls was in stark contrast to Virat Kohli's slower 51 off 43 balls. Despite Kohli's measured approach, RCB managed to put up an impressive total of 206 for seven after choosing to bat first. This was a much-needed result for RCB, who had only won one out of their first eight games. On the other hand, this was SRH's third loss in eight matches.
The target of 206 was certainly achievable for a team like SRH who had crossed the 250-run mark thrice this season. However, their usually strong batting line-up failed to deliver on this occasion, ending at 171 for eight in 20 overs. RCB's spinners were particularly effective in the first innings, with part-time off-spinner Will Jacks opening the bowling and taking the wicket of the dangerous Travis Head.
Abhishek Sharma also put on a good show for the home crowd before getting caught behind by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. But it was left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh, making his RCB debut, who really made an impact by taking two wickets in his first over. This included the dismissals of Aiden Markram and Henrich Klaasen, leaving SRH at 56 for four in just five overs. Leggie Karn Sharma then took two more wickets, effectively shutting the door on SRH's chances of winning.
In the first innings, Patidar's explosive performance was crucial in RCB's victory. He shared a 65-run partnership with Kohli, who seemed more focused on giving his partner the strike. This approach was questioned by Sunil Gavaskar on air, but it ultimately paid off. Cameron Green and Swapnil Singh also contributed with timely strikes in the death overs to help RCB cross the 200-run mark.
RCB started off strong with Kohli and Faf du Plessis aggressively going after the SRH bowlers. Even opposition skipper Pat Cummins was not spared, conceding 19 runs in his first over. However, from a promising 43 for no loss in the first 18 balls, RCB could only reach 61 for one by the end of the powerplay. Du Plessis was caught by Markram at mid-off thanks to a deceptive slow short ball from T Natarajan. Will Jacks also fell soon after, going for a wild slog sweep off a delivery from leg-spinner Mayank Markande.
However, it was Kohli and Patidar's partnership that really took the innings forward. While Kohli focused on rotating the strike, Patidar broke the shackles by hitting four consecutive sixes off Markande in the 11th over. These included two shots down the ground and two over mid-wicket. Patidar reached his fifty in just 19 balls, while Kohli took 37 balls to reach his. The different approaches of the two players were evident, but they both played a crucial role in RCB's victory.
In the end, RCB's spinners were able to put pressure on the SRH batters, helping them secure a much-needed win. It was a thrilling match with plenty of ups and downs, but RCB emerged victorious thanks to a collective effort from their team.
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