RCB win a thriller against RR. Kohli celebrates the victory with the hero of the match, Hazlewood

The contest at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru got close as Royal Challengers Bengaluru seemed to be losing another home game. However, a match-winning performance from Josh Hazlewood sees them through as they win their sixth match of the season.

Solid batting by RCB

The Rajasthan Royals won the toss and Riyan Parag asked RCB to bat first. The advantage was with the visitors as it generally becomes easier to chase totals in Bengaluru with dew around. The RCB batters started on a solid note. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli stitched another half-century opening stand.

While Salt was eventually removed by Wanindu Hasaranga for 26 runs, Kohli stood tall and continued his assault against RR. The former captain looked in great touch as he timed the ball really well. His effortless knock brought up another half-century for him. He ended up with a score of 70 off 42 balls at an impressive strike rate of 166.67.

Kohli was ably supported by Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a quickfire half-century himself. He scored 50 off 27 balls. With cameos from Tim David and Jitesh Sharma, RCB ended up with a competitive total of 205 for 5.

RR start well

In reply to RCB’s innings, the Rajasthan Royals started on a great note. Yashasvi Jaiswal hit the first ball of the innings for a maximum. The Indian batter went on to play a crazy knock, but was unfortunate to get out one away from a well-deserved half century. He was out for 49 off just 19 balls.

The teenage sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, started well too. The 14-year-old hit two sixes but was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 16 runs. It was the story of a number of RR batters. They got the starts but could not stick around and ensure a victory.

Dhruv Jurel played a stabilising innings of 47. However, he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in the 19th over. That over proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Hazlewood’s brilliance

With 18 required off 12 balls and 5 wickets in hand, the advantage was with the RR batters. This was especially true with Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey looking set and taking down bowlers. However, Hazlewood turned the game on its head in the penultimate over.

The Australian fast bowler gave away just 1 run and took two crucial wickets of Dhruv Jurel and Jofra Archer to bring RCB back in the game. He ended with figures of 4 for 33 and was named the Player of the Match.

Yash Dayal bowled the last over and defended the total successfully. RCB are now placed third on the table with 6 wins and 3 losses.

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