In the 13th match of IPL 2022, it was the old horse – Dinesh Karthik who proved to be RCB’s trump card in a came from behind victory. Royal Challengers Bangalore were struggling at 87/5 in 12.3 overs but Karthik, Ahmed helped RCB to hand season’s first defeat to Rajasthan Royals.
Dinesh Karthik was declared as Player of the Match for his incredible knock of 44* off just 23 deliveries. Shahbaz Ahmed, sent ahead of Karthik, also played a handy knock of 45 runs off 26 balls. The pair smacked 67 runs in just 5.2 overs to hand the defeat to RR. This was RCB’s fifth straight win over RR.
RCB’s started the chase quite well with skipper Faf du Plessis and Anuj Rawat starting confidently. However, they were soon reduced from 55/0 to 62/4 within 12 balls. Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Virat Kohli off a superb throw from Sanju Samson and then David Willey on next ball.
Earlier, Jos Bottler carried RR’s innings on his shoulder with good support from Shimron Hetmyer in the final overs. By the end of over 16, RR were still at only 107/3 with Buttler & Hetmyer at the crease. The duo punished Siraj & Akash Deep in death overs to take RR to 169/3. While Siraj gave 43 runs, Akash Deep gave 44 runs as both bowlers went wicketless.
Earlier, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and invited RR to bat first. Both teams went with unchanged playing 11 in this match. David Willey dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal early to give a perfect start to RCB. However, RCB fielders dropped many catches which includes life to Jos Buttler who went on to score 70 runs off 47 balls.
