Published: Apr 29, 2017, 07:26 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 29, 2017, 08:39 PM (IST)
Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) whammed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 61 runs in Match 34 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017. With this defeat, the Royal Challengers’ chances to qualify for the playoffs end. However, Virat Kohli was left stranded as, barring him, no other batsman could score in double digits. Out of the Royal Challengers’ 96 runs, Kohli scored 55 off 48. Lockie Ferguson was adjudged Man of the Match for his swashbuckling 2 for 7 from his quota of 4 overs. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), IPL 2017, Match 34 at Pune
Dropping Chris Gayle did not change the Royal Challengers’ fortune. They used their sixth opening combination in this edition. Travis Head partnered Virat Kohli, and survived only five ball scoring 5. Their No. 3 AB de Villiers managed a mere 3. Meanwhile, Kohli had played a flick, a cover-drive, and whatnot.
Kedhar Jadhav, who had stitched a 200-run stand with Kohli at the same venue against England, took the crease when the Royal Challengers were stuttering at 32 for 2. They had a mix-up, but that did not harm. However, Kohli gave a stern look to Jadhav, suggesting to better his call for a quick run. Jadhav, understandingly, avoided eye contact. He knew his captain was furious. A few balls later, he played a delightful pull past mid-on. That eased some pressure off Kohli. He needed a man of Jadhav’s calibre to pull off their first chase in this edition. All the same, the duo got involved in another mix-up, resulting in Jadhav’s run out. Live cricket updates: RPS vs RCB, match 34
Steven Smith then took a ripper of a catch running forward to end Sachin Baby’s day out. Stuart Binny faced a similar fate, and as did Pawan Negi and Adam Milne. Amidst the downfall, Kohli was still unbeaten playing his attractive strokeplay. Needing 89 off the last 5 overs, he had no option but blaze away everything that was aimed at him. He hit a stunning six over deep mid-wicket and brought up another half-century. Nevertheless, Kohli’s genius was not enough to pull off the unlikely and were bundled out for 96. With that, Kohli became the first captain to score a half-century when a team score below hundred.
Unlike the Royal Challengers, the home team batted well as a cohesive unit. Barring Ajinkya Rahane, the top order played out of their skin on a slow track to keep the scoreboard ticking. While Rahul Tiripathi blasted a 28-ball 37, Steven Smith fell short of fifty by a mere 5 runs. Manoy Tiwary then continued the momentum and scored an unbeaten 44 to take the Supergiant to 157 for 3. He, however, was promoted ahead of MS Dhoni who added a vital 21 runs in the death overs.
Brief scores:
Rising Pune Supergiant 157 for 3 in 20 overs (Steven Smith 45, Manoj Tiwary 44*; Pawan Negi 1 for 18) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 89 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 55; Imran Tahir 3 for 18) by 61 runs.
Man of the Match: Lockie Ferguson
