IPL 2018: Match 29, RCB v KKR- Rating of the match

The Royal Challengers faced off the Kolkata Knight Riders at Bengaluru for the 29th match of this IPL. RCB, who badly required a win under their belt were dented with a severe blow even before the game begun. Their veteran player, AB de Villiers had to miss out of the game due to an illness. KKR were placed 4th on the table before this game and a win could have strengthened their chances of making it to the playoffs. However, this win was more crucial for RCB as they stood second last on the table.

But it was the Kolkata Knight Riders who ultimately made it. They defeated RCB by 6 wickets to strengthen the hold of the number four position on the points table. It was almost evident that it was KKR’s game as soon as they won the toss and restricted RCB to a low total at the high-scoring Chinnaswamy stadium. However, RCB put their hearts and souls into the game and tried their best not to make it a dead rubber. They tried their level best to be on the other side of the result but couldn’t succeed.

Virat Kohli – The saviour

It gets really tough to defend totals at the Chinnaswamy. And things get tougher when the team batting first when they lose crucial wickets in the first ten overs. Similar was the case with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Already deprived of AB de Villiers, the onus was on the openers to get a good start and reduce the pressure on the middle order. They did so as QDK and McCullum put on 67 runs for the first wicket in just about 8 overs.

However, things turned around quickly as they were down to 75-3 in 10 overs. RCB looked in deep trouble as Virat Kohli didn’t have good games in the last few. However, he proved why he is regarded as one of the greats of the game. Virat took the onus upon himself in the company of Mandeep Singh. He almost carried the RCB innings through single-handedly. While Mandeep was rotating the strike around with a few big shots here and there, Virat played the aggressor.

With literally no big support from the other end, Virat Kohli ended his innings scoring 66 off 44 at a strike rate of 154. He remained not out and his innings included 5 fours and 3 big sixes. The story of RCB would have been completely different had he not played this innings. Also, having ABD at the other end would have made a huge difference for the side.

The troubles for the RCB bowlers persist

The RCB bowlers have had some of the biggest lows this IPL. It was no different this time around. Bring in Tim Southee into the lineup and making the changes didn’t really work out for them. It was always KKR’s game right from the start. RCB fielders have put down some crucial catches adding to the woes. However, the biggest positive for them was the show during the middle overs. They pulled things back quite well, putting pressure on KKR.

Lynnsanity took over the KKR innings. Chris Lynn hasn’t had a great season thus far this IPL. But, he kept KKR in the chase throughout the innings and didn’t give RCB a chance after he was dropped when he was on 7 by Murugan Ashwin. He is finding some real form as we progress forward in the tournament which is a warning sign for the oppositions.His innings really helped KKR keep pace with the chase as he kept losing partners at the other end. He literally swept every single ball that came his way from the spinners. Sunil Narine played a merry-go-lucky innings in the powerplays giving them the ideal start.

However, KKR looked in some serious trouble when the birthday boy Russell walked back to the pavilion for a duck. But skipper Dinesh Karthik came in and went at the top gear right from the start. He smashed some big shots towards the end to take his team through.

Rating of the match- 3.5