IPL 2018: Bowlers Lead RCB to Victory

Just when RCB were entering the final 5 overs and fans were awaiting fireworks from Mandeep Singh and Virat, the duo was dismissed off successive deliveries by Hardik Pandya. Washington Sundar was also dismissed in that over and suddenly it looked like RCB would struggle to get past 150-155. 143 runs were on the board before Colin de Grandhomme decided to whack three maximums in the final over that took RCB into the break with the momentum, and 167/7 on the board. Pandya finished with 3/28.

The commentators, and Jasprit Bumrah himself said that the pitch was a sticky one and that it wouldn’t be an easy chase, given that the ball wasn’t coming on to the bat easily. Good bowling from all three RCB pacers within the powerplay overs reduced Mumbai to 21/3. They then lost Pollard at 47/4, followed by Duminy at 84/5.

The Pandya brothers were the last hope for Mumbai and with 43 needed in 4 overs, they were the favourites. However, Mohammed Siraj and Tim Southee perfected their yorkers and made it impossible for the batsmen to hit boundaries. We saw top-class bowling from the RCB bowlers for the first time this season, giving them a 14-run victory. It turned out to be the perfect birthday gift to Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma, who was out on the balcony cheering the team on throughout the game. Man of the Match: Tim Southee – 2/25.

RCB have now taken the 5^th place on the points table, going ahead of Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. Keep watching GutshotMagazine.com for daily IPL updates and cricket match results!