Picture Credit: IPL/ Twitter
Although the Royal Challengers Bangalore did not have their destiny in their own hands as far as their Playoff hopes are concerned, they have managed to reach the final four. The same was confirmed after Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals by 5 wickets in their last league match. While the match went down to the last over and had many moments where Delhi could have sealed the deal, they were the second-best team on the day.
Tim David's blistering 34 off 11 balls proved to be the difference between the two teams and helped MI to victory after the required run rate had climbed to over 10 runs an over. Although the game holds little significance for MI as they were anyways out of the Playoffs race, it would boost their confidence with an eye on the next season.
When commentator Pommie Mbangwa asked David his thoughts after the match being an ex-RCB player, he revealed that Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis had actually texted him a pic of himself along with Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell wearing MI jerseys.
"I got a message from Faf this morning- it was a picture of him, Maxi and Virat all in an MI kit, maybe I’ll get to post that on Instagram later," David said.
"Nice to finish with a win, we got close the other night, good to finish this off. Ishan (Kishan) told me the wicket was getting flatter, it was holding a bit with the slower balls, but I just had to hold my shape and back my game, keep it simple," he said about the win and his innings.
Meanwhile DC captain Rishabh Pant was understandably disappointed after being so close to the Playoffs yet not managing to find a place in the final four.
"I think most of the game we were on top of the game. But on a few occasion when we were on top of the game, we let it slip away from our grasp. That's one of the things we have been doing throughout the tournament. I think we were not good enough to win this match I guess," Pant said.
While Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals will meet in the Qualifier 1 on May 24. Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore will play the Eliminator on May 25.