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Sanju Samson led Rajasthan Royals moved to the top position in the points table as they beat the struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore by 29 runs while defending a low total of 144.
RCB skipper Faf du Plessis chose to bowl after winning the toss . And the plan it worked with his bowlers delivering well. Royals lost the orange cap holder and in- from Jos Buttler early for ( 8) . His fellow opener Devdutt Padikkal out for ( 7), Ravichandran Ashwin ( 17) , Skipper Sanju Samson ( 27) . Royals were in spot of bother at 68/ 4 in 9.3 overs. Daryl Mitchell was out for ( 16) . But the Royals found a saviour in young Riyan Parag . Parag looked unfazed as wickets fell around him and scored a valuable unbeaten match- winning knock of 56 ( 31 balls , 3 fours and 4 sixes) , Shimron Hetmyer was out early for 3. Thanks to Parag’s innings Royals could post a modest 144/ 8 in their 20 overs.
RCB bowlers had figures which read : Josh Hazlewood 2/19 ( 4 overs) , Wanindu Hasaranga 2/23 (4 overs) , Mohammed Siraj 2/ 30 (4 overs), Harshal Patel 1/ 33 ( 4 overs)
Bowled out for a dismal 68 in their previous match , one expected RCB to win this one . Battling poor form Virat Kohli opened the innings with RCB Skipper Faf du Plessis . But unfortunately Virat’s run of poor scores continued as he fell for 9 . He looked out of touch and desperate. Skipper Faf du Plessis showed some flashes before he was out for 23 to Kuldeep Sen. Sen would soon send back Glenn Maxwell (0 ) and was on a hat-trick. These twin blows rocked RCB chase . Shahbaz Ahmed ( 17) , in- from Dinesh Karthik run out ( 6) added to RCB woes.
Wanindu Hasaranga threw his bat around for ( 18) as the RCB slumped to yet another defeat bowled out for 115/ 19 in their 20 overs . This time by 29 runs. With yet another loss their play-offs chances now appear slim.
Royals bowlers stood tall and successfully defended the low total . Kuldeep Sen 4/20 (3.3 overs), Ravichandran Ashwin 3/17 (4 overs),
Prasidh Krishna 2/23 (4 overs), Yuzvendra Chahal 0/ 23 ( 4 overs) Trent Boult 0/20 ( 3 overs)
