IPL 2021: Clinical Royal Challengers Bangalore Thrash Rajasthan Royals By 7 Wickets

Royal Challengers Bangalore dished out a clinical display with both bat and ball to record a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League in Dubai on Wednesday

Royal Challengers Bangalore dished out a clinical display with both bat and ball to record a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royalsin the Indian Premier League in Dubai on Wednesday, boosting their prospects of a top-two finish. Chasing 150, RCB completed the task with as many as 17 balls to spare. Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell blazed away to an unbeaten 50 off just 30 balls, while KS Bharat played sensibly for his 44 off 35 deliveries. RCB needed 71 runs in the back 10 after the RR bowlers checked the flow of runs following the dismissals of Virat Kohli (25) and Devdutt Padikkal (22).

Kohli and Padikkal gave the team a brisk start as RCB scored nine runs per over in the power play. The Indian captain got three boundaries in the first over though he was lucky with the first one that flew over the slip cordon off a leading edge.

However, both got out after settling down with Kohli falling to a fine direct hit by Riyan Parag after he had made a diving stop.

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.