Published: Apr 29, 2017, 09:19 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 29, 2017, 09:19 PM (IST)
Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) pummelled Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 61 runs in match 34 of Indian Premier League (IPL), at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Supergiant restricted the visitors to 96 for 9, which was the lowest total against them. With this win, they remain at the fourth spot while the Royal Challengers struggle at the bottom of IPL 2017 points table. Imran Tahir and Lockie Ferguson ended with 8-1-25-5 between them. Before that Steven Smith had played a resolute 45-run knock, with Rahul Tripathi adding 37 at the top. Let us have a look at the highlights. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: RPS vs RCB, Match 34
The stranded Kohli: At one point, when the Royal Challengers had lost 8 wickets, it seemed Kohli will be the first player in IPL to carry his bat. He instead fell for 55 off 48. However, he did achieve a milestone: he became the first captain to score a half-century when the team was restricted below hundred.
The single-digit performance: Barring Kohli, no other batsman could score in double digits. Come to think of it, all batsmen had scored in single digits during the Royal Challengers’ infamous 49-run all-out against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Ferguson locks RCB: Ferguson tremendously contained the onslaught, so much so that he gave away only 7 runs off 4 overs taking two crucial wickets of AB de Villiers and Stuart Binny.
RCB virtually disqualified: The Royal Challengers have won two and drawn one out of 10 matches. If the rain plays spoilsport during other matches and the Royal Challengers win all their remaining four game, they may have a chance. That will give them 13 points. However, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians almost making it, the chances of the Royal Challengers of qualifying for the playoffs seem remote.
Tahir reigns yet again: Imran Tahir took three wickets of Pawan Negi, Adam Milne, and Samuel Badree. He is now at the second spot in the highest wicket-taker’s list.
RPS promote Tiwary ahead of Dhoni: It did not come as a surprise when Manoj Tiwary came ahead of MS Dhoni. Before this contest, he had scores of 40*, 31, 27, 7*, 22, and 1. He had missed a match due to his father’s demise. Despite that, he kept proving his mettle and continued playing vital knocks. Today, he played a knock of 44 not out off 35 amidst a disciplined RCB bowling.
