RCB vs LSG Highlights: RCB Beat LSG By 18 Runs In Low Scoring Thriller
RCB vs LSG Highlights: In a low-scoring tie, RCB defended 126 with injury to skipper KL Rahul adding to Lucknow's defeat.
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RCB vs LSG Highlights: In Twenty20 cricket, home advantage is negligible, as batters dominate regardless of the playing surface the majority of the time. But here in Lucknow, it's the pitch that makes all the difference, particularly when it's a black soil wicket with a low bounce and sluggish ball speed.
Even after scoring 126/9, Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore made life difficult for Lucknow Super Giants on their home soil at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday, en route to a thrilling 18-run victory in the Indian Premier League.
Captain KL Rahul was injured when he fell while attempting to stop the ball in the second over, adding to LSG's concerns following a third consecutive loss at home. He was escorted off the field by LSG support staff as he grimaced in agony from a hamstring or thigh injury. He struggled to move, let alone strike the ball, upon entering the batter's box as LSG's innings continued to deteriorate. He was unbeaten after three balls on nought.
It is likely to provide India with a new injury concern as they prepare for the World Test Championship final against Australia at the Oval in June. With Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer all injured and ruled out of the match, Rahul was viewed as an experienced batsman who could bolster the middle order despite his poor batting form.
After losing their first meeting in Bengaluru, RCB had a strong desire for retribution. After losing their finest batsman, Kyle Mayers, for a duck in the first over, LSG were unable to fight back against RCB's disciplined bowling attack and were dismissed for 108 in 19.5 overs after falling to 34/4 in six overs.
No LSG batter reached double figures besides Krishnappa Gowtham (23 -- 13b, 1x4, 2x6), Krunal Pandya (14 -- 11b, 3x4), and Marcus Stoinis (13 -- 19b, 1x).
Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli both labored against the slow bowlers, particularly the left-arm spin of Krunal Pandya. Pandya prevented the two openers from releasing their limbs. Both were fortunate not to be captured and also avoided an early run out.
In the second over against Marcus Stonis, Du Plessis hit a six that resulted in 10 runs. The late delivery of the ball, coupled with the low deflection, prevented RCB from gaining any momentum. RCB scored 42 runs during the power play, while Kohli and du Plessis added 62 runs in 54 deliveries.
Kohli (31, 30b, 3x4) fell first. He was stumped after being defeated by Ravi Bishnoi's googly outside off stump as he charged out. Before Du Plessis was caught by Pandya off Amit Mishra, Anuj Rawat (nine), Glenn Maxwell (four), and Suyash Prabhudessai (six) also succumbed cheaply. Du Plessis had the highest score with a 40-ball 44 (1x, 1x6). Mishra was responsible for du Plessis's capture by Gowtham. Even later in the lineup, it was challenging to advance the score.
Kohli, Gambhir dispute
Soon after the game, there were heated confrontations between Kohli and LSG coach Gautam Gambhir. The two were captured on camera exchanging heated words. It appeared that Kohli was conversing with Kyle Mayers when Gambhir attempted to remove the player. In the IPL, Kohli and Gambhir have clashed on the field.
