Royal Challengers Bengaluru (241/7) kept their playoff hope alive after thrashing Punjab Kings (181/10) by 60 runs at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.
Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl in a do-or-die encounter for both teams. RCB didn’t have the best start as they quickly lost Faf du Plessis (9) and Will Jacks (12). But Virat Kohli (92) stood like a rock at the other end and kept the runs coming. Bengaluru’s innings hit top gear when Rajat Patidar (55) joined the party.
The duo dominated the proceedings and left Punjab’s captain, Sam Curran (1/50), no real option. After Patidar’s dismissal, Cameroon Green (46) joined forces to lead the charge. Dinesh Karthik’s (18) late blitz helped RCB reach 242 runs. 
Punjab felt pressure from the first over as Prabhsimran Singh (6/4) got out to Swapnil Singh (2/28) in the first over of the chase. Despite an early setback, Punjab showed a big heart when Jonny Bairstow (27/16) and Rilee Roussow (61/27) took on the attack and gave the impression of their famous chase at Eden Gardens. For Bengaluru, Lockie Ferguson (2/29) broke the partnership and ignited the collapse. Rossouw also left after completing his 50.
Ultimately, it was too much to handle for Punjab’s batting as RCB bowlers scraped past Punjab to clinch a 60-run win.
Though it looked easy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it had moments that could’ve changed everything.
Kohli and Patidar’s explosive partnership
Royal Challengers Bengaluru started off well, but two quick wickets of Plessis and Jacks changed the game, but they were blessings in disguise. Rajat Patidar stepped in and took the attack to the next level from the first ball. In particular, his striking against spinners was a sight to see. He scored 55 runs from 23 balls, including six nasty sizes. 76 runs were added for the second wicket by the pair.
Sam Curran’s moving 16th over
Although Royal Challengers Bengaluru maintained a high tempo after the rain interruption, the team’s projected score of 230-240 runs was reduced to only 210-220 runs. Bengaluru changed gears when RCB were 164 for three wickets at the end of the 15th over. Kohli and Green destroyed Sam Curran and collected 21 runs. His over contributed significantly to Bengaluru’s score, surpassing 240 runs.
Rahul Chahar’s failed experiment
In the last game, Rahul Chahar (0/47) bowled in the death which everyone rated as a masterstroke by Curran but this time around, it backfired. As Chahar was already struggling in the 19th over of the match, Karthik and Green made sure it wouldn’t get any better. They combined to make 21 runs from the over, giving Punjab a huge lead.
Lokie Ferguson’s brave slower one
The Punjab Kings looked great during the chase, and the Rossouw and Baristow duo took Bengaluru’s attack to an end. When their shots started to come, everyone had flashbacks of the night at Eden Gardens with Jonny Bairstow leading the charge. 61 runs were scored by Punjab Kings at the end of the fifth over, and they appeared in a serious mood to chase down. Lockie Ferguson then came into play, bowled Jonny Bairstow, and dented Punjab’s chances. Using his slower ball to perfection, the Kiwi bowler displayed great bravery to bowl it in his first over.
Kohli’s hunting run-out
RCB pulled things back after the powerplay with spinners using conditions, but Punjab Kings kept their hopes alive with some blitzes here and there from Shashank Singh. He looked in sublime touch, and Punjab looked in the game with Ashutosh Sharma (8/5) to come. However, Bengaluru’s clutch player, Virat Kohli rose to the occasion again and won the game for RCB with his fielding. The worldie run-out he executed to send Shashank back into the dugout ensured victory.
With five wins and seven losses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru now seems a serious contender for the playoff spot. They are currently 7th in the table with five wins and seven losses. Parimatch odds favor RCB at 1.69x at Chinnaswamy. Punjab Kings are no longer in contention for playoffs and will look to play for pride. They are second last in the table and will travel to Rajasthan. Parimatch odds are 2.05x for them.
