IPL, RR vs RCB: We’ve come back strongly in last 2 games with ball – says Virat Kohli
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing 150, RCB rode on a 69-run third-wicket partnership between Glenn Maxwell and Srikar Bharat to reach 153 for 3 in 17.1 overs.
RCB skipper Virat Kohli heaped praise on his bowlers for making a terrific comeback in back-to-back matches.
“We have come back strongly in two games back-to-back with the ball. Which is a great sign. We know if you can hold your nerve with the ball you’re going in the right direction,” said Kohli at the post-match presentation.
“In both games the opponents were 56/0 in the powerplay, but in both games we took wickets to ensure the opposition does not get away. We knew that with the kind of bowling attack we have, things can open up when we take wickets,” he added.
Bangalore Royal Challengers (RCB) Maxwell top-scored for RCB with an unbeaten 50 off 30 balls, while Bharat contributed 44 off 35 deliveries. For RR, Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets for 20 runs.
Earlier, sent in to bat, RR scored 149 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Evin Lewis top-scored with a 37-ball 58 while Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 31. Harshal Patel was the pick of the RCB bowlers with figures of 3/34.
“Lewis hit a few sixes and it was courageous from Garton and the others. We’ve got the rewards because we’ve been fearless and confident in the moments that the game can go either way,” said Kohli.
Kohli also pointed out the crucial 69-run partnership between KS Bharat and Glenn Maxwell. He said:” Devdutt and I have focused on giving the team good starts so that the middle-order with AB, Bharat and Maxwell can make more. Boys have stepped up, so that’s been key for us.”
“In the last two games we are going in the right direction. Slowly but surely we are getting in groove.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Punjab Kings on Sunday.
