Published: May 12, 2018, 06:28 PM (IST)
Edited: May 12, 2018, 06:28 PM (IST)
Delhi Daredevils vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Updates: Hello and welcome to CricketCountry’s coverage of the VIVO IPL 2018. We head to Match 45 where Daredevils host Royal Challengers at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, New Delhi. DD are on the brink of elimination, and only in contention mathematically (that too with a glimmer of hope). On the other hand, RCB also are in a similar position, ranked No. 7, but have better chances to revamp their campaign and proceed further than bottom-lying DD.
DD and RCB’s last outing
Rishabh Pant set Kotla ablaze with scintillating strokeplay in DD’s last match, against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Coming out at 43 for 3, Pant slammed an outrageous 63-ball 128*. Pant’s last fifty came in 22 deliveries, including 26 runs off the last 5 balls of the innings, off Bhuvneshwar Kumar. DD added 135 in the last 10 overs.
However, Pant’s 128* — the highest score by an Indian in T20s — wasn’t enough to keep DD going in the tournament. An ordinary bowling performance and a brilliant return-to-form innings from local lad Shikhar Dhawan ensured another SRH win. DD had their best chance to test their rusty lower order but could manage a solitary wicket. In addition, skipper Kane Williamson slammed his sixth fifty of the season to confirm SRH further qualification.
RCB, on the other hand, are also coming on the back of a defeat against SRH. They needed only 147 after Tim Southee and Mohammed Siraj’s bowled brilliantly at the death. However, their tall batting line-up fell like ninepins against Bhuvi and co. A 5-win defeat prompted skipper Virat Kohli to admit “we were not good enough and not up to the mark.”
Both teams are as good as out of contention, but mathematically they may still make it to the top four. If not to the Playoffs, DD and RCB would still be desperate to finishing their season on a high. The lack of pressure may bring out the best from both the dugouts.
