NEW DELHI: Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) impressive 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC), skipper Faf du Plessis commended the outstanding performances of bowlers Yash Dayal and Lockie Ferguson.
RCB's momentum in the second half of the tournament continued as they secured their fifth consecutive win, propelling them to the fifth spot in the standings. The victory came in front of their home crowd at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The win was particularly notable for the contributions of bowlers Dayal and Ferguson, whose stellar performances played a crucial role in RCB's triumph. Their efforts helped RCB maintain their winning streak and bolster their position in the league table.
The victory over DC further solidifies RCB's campaign in the tournament, highlighting their determination and form as they strive to secure a strong position in the playoffs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Faf said, "Brilliant, we put some good performances and really pleased. First half of the season, things did not quite come together and from that batting perspective and bowling perspective we have been able to put it together now. Sometimes people talk about match-ups and all, but as a left-hander with the ball spinning in, you hope that works out sometimes and he has (Swapnil Singh, left-arm spinner) done brilliantly for us. A lot of work has gone behind the scenes, and we are getting it right and I feel there is a lot more variety in our bowling now and Yash and Lockie have been exceptional in the last few games. We want to be bold. Even today, we played swing up front and bounce upfront, we had 60-odd in the powerplay, guys are pushing."
Coming to the match, DC opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Knocks from Rajat Patidar (52 in 32 balls, with five fours and three sixes), Will Jacks (41 in 29 balls, with three fours and two sixes), Cameron Green (32* in 24 balls, with one four and two sixes) and Virat Kohli (27* in 13 balls, with a four and three sixes) took RCB to 187/9 in their 20 overs.
Rasikh Salam (2/23) and Khaleel Ahmed (2/31) were the pick of the bowlers for DC.
In the run-chase of 188 runs, Delhi was restricted to 30/4 at one point. A partnership of 56 runs between Shai Hope (29 in 23 balls, with four boundaries) and Axar Patel helped DC back in the game.
Stand-in captain, Axar scored his second half-century of the season, making 57 in 39 balls, with five fours and three sixes to keep his side alive. However, RCB bowlers kept the run flow in control and bundled out DC for 140 runs in 19.1 overs, winning by 47 runs.
Yash Dayal (3/20) and Lockie Ferguson (2/23) were among the top bowlers for RCB.
Cameron Green secured the 'Player of the Match' award for his knock of 32*, figures of 1/19 in four overs and a run-out of in-form Tristan Stubbs.
RCB kept its playoff hopes alive, jumping to fifth spot with six wins, seven losses and 12 points in total. DC slid down to the sixth spot, with six wins, seven losses and 12 points. Their net run rate is inferior than RCB.
(With ANI inputs)
