Our Correspondent
Royal Challengers Bangalore routed Kolkata Knight Riders in the 39th match in Abu Dhabi on October 21 piggyriding on Mohammed Siraj’s brilliant spell of three wickets for the loss of 8 runs. Kolkata could make only 84 for 8, the lowest total of the season, despite winning the toss and batting first. Bangalore easily chased the target at the loss of two wickets.
Right-arm pacer Siraj who replaced Shahbaz Ahmed in the team took three wickets in consecutive overs. He dismissed Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana in his first over and then Tom Banton in his second. He also had two consecutive maiden overs, thus creating a history in the IPL.
This was followed by leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s onslaught destroying Kolkata batting line-up beyond repair. Washington Sundar (1 for 14) and Chahal (2 for 15) destroyed KKR middle order.
Captain Eoin Morgan (30 runs off 34 balls) alone made a valiant attempt to save the innings for KKR.
Bangalore’s chase was aided by Devdutt Padikkal (25 off 17). Virat Kohli (18 off 17) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (21 off 26) remained unbeaten to ensure an easy 8-wicket win for RCB with 39 balls to spare.
