Royal Challengers Bangalore locked horns with Lucknow Super Giants in Ekana Stadium on May 7th in a rain-stricken game. Asked to bat first, LSG put up a total of 209 on the board with a loss of 3 wickets, thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s 111 runs of 56 balls and Rishabh Pant’s quickfire 32 of 10 balls. Revised by the DLS method, RCB had to chase 213 in 19 overs, although with valiant batting from Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Tim David, they fell short of 9 runs to gain two points.
Captain Rajat Patidar, in his post-match interview, did acknowledge the fact that Mitchell Marsh’s innings was great and he was confused whom to make bowl against him. He revealed that RCB was under pressure the way Marsh batted in the power play.
“Mitchell Marsh was beautiful, the way he played. And especially in power play, he kept us under pressure. I was confused about the bowlers- who should I bowl just after the power play? But I think the way he played, that was a tremendous innings,” said the RCB skipper.
“Disappointing season but still a lot to play for”, says Mitchell Marsh after winning the Player of the Match Award
LSG broke their six-match losing streak against RCB on May 7th in Ekana Stadium, but that doesn’t change much of their situation in the IPL points table, as they linger in the last spot with just 6 points and only 3 wins in 10 matches. There are only bleak hopes for qualification in the playoffs for LSG, but the top of the table is still in grave danger, too. RCB, after two back to back loses and PBKS, with 3 consecutive losses, bring a lot of permutations and combinations for other mid-table teams to grab the opportunity.
Mitchell Marsh’s blistering 111 off 56 balls and Prince Yadav’s fiery spell of 3 wickets, dismantling Virat Kohli early, Devdutt Padikkal to break the partnership and Jitesh Sharma as the final nail in the coffin. Mitchell addressed the fact that this has indeed been a disappointing and tough season, but this win will bring back the team’s morale. He also acknowledged the fact that it was not only his innings but some great bowling by young players that gave them the win.
“Yes, it has been a tough season. Nice to get on the right side. Really good for our morale. Disappointing season, but still a lot to play for. Tried to maximise the powerplay as much as I could and create impact. Tonight, we were courageous in the way we bowled. Proud of some of the young guys in our attack to be able to defend that total and get a win,” said the Aussie all-rounder.
