Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Despite a gritty half-century from Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bangalore failed to defend 170 against Gujarat Titans at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai and got beaten by six wickets on Saturday afternoon. A 79 runs match-winning stand between David Millar and Rahul Tewatia in the second innings ensured a comprehensive victory for Gujarat. Bangalore posted 170 due to Virat's 58 off 53, 52 from Rajat Patidar and blistering 33 from Glenn Maxwell. In contrast, Pradeep Sangwan picked two wickets while the rest of the other Gujarat bowlers took one wicket each.
In response to 170, Gujarat had a decent start to their second innings as Wriddhiman Saha (29 off 22) and Shubman Gill (31 off 28) added 51 runs for the first wicket, followed by the quick dismissal of skipper Hardik Pandya (3 off 5.) Sai Sudharshan added some crucial runs for Gujarat in the middle-order, but David Miller and Rahul Tewatia steered Gujarat's innings till the end.
Interestingly, this was Hardik's 100th match in the cash-rich league. For Bangalore, Shahbaz Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga were the only bowlers who provided breakthroughs to their side as both picked two wickets each in the second innings. Rahul Tewatia was rewarded as Man of the Match for his match-winning 43 in just 25 balls.
Let's take a look at some of the highlights from the game.
1. A 99-run stand between Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar for 2nd wicket
After winning the toss, Faf opted to bat first and opened the innings alongside Virat Kohli. However, Gujarat's Pradeep Sangwan provided an early breakthrough to his side by dismissing the skipper in the second over of the game. But, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar firmly held the fort and steadied Bangalore's innings by gradually adding runs on board. Virat Kohli scored fighting 58 in 53 balls with the help of one six and six boundaries, while Rajat Patidar added 52 runs on board in just 32 balls. Both the players had a 99-run stand for second wicket, which helped Bangalore to post respective totals on board.
2. Half-century from Virat Kohli
Former RCB skipper was under heavy pressure for not scoring runs and was going through tough times at the crease. He had just 128 runs from nine matches, including two golden ducks. But, the change in his batting position worked well for him as he played an impressive knock in the next game. He got to open the innings and regained his mojo. He got off the mark with consecutive fours and scored his first 50-plus score in 15 innings.
3. Match-winning stand between Rahul Tewatia and David Miller
Gujarat started well in the second innings as their openers added 51 runs for the first wicket. Wriddhiman Saha (29) and Shubman Gill (31) provided a solid foundation, but the openers' quick wickets and Sai Sudharshan put Gujarat on the backfoot. But Miller played fine innings of 39 runs and got a support from Rahul Tewatia, whose blistering 43 took Gujarat to the winning mark.