RCB scored one more win in IPL Phase 2 at the Sharjah Stadium to qualify for the playoffs. They defeated PBKS by 6 runs to secure more points and secure a total of 16 points, with 2 more matches left. Like most of the IPL games, this was also a good thriller, but ultimately Royal Challengers Bangalore gained victory with ease. With three qualifying for the playoffs, only one spot is left for a team to qualify.
The match
Royal Challengers batted first and it was for the first time in IPL 2021 phase 2 that Sharjah’s pitch seemed like a good wicket for batting. Eventually, Bangalore got a good start where the two openers, including Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, scored 25 of 24 and 40 of 38 respectively.
Glenn Maxwell coming down at number 4 played a magnificent inning of 57 of 33 with 3 fours and 4 sixes. Also, AB de Villiers scored a good knock of 23 of 18 with 1 four and 2 sixes which helped RCB to get to a total of 162 with the loss of 7 wickets.
Punjab Kings in reply started brilliantly and it seemed like they will win the match with ease. Their two openers including KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal scored 38 of 35 and 57 of 42 respectively. However, as always PBKS brought an extra thrill to the match when both of the openers got out and none of the later batsmen could stand for long. Though Shahrukh Khan tried to make his team win scoring 16 of 11 with a four and a six but was not able to succeed in the end.
RCB qualifying for the playoffs
With this win, RCB has sealed their 3rd position, and also they can move upward. If either CSK or DC lose their remaining matches and RCB with both their 2 matches they can be at the top 2. Finishing at the top 2 is always more advantageous as teams get one more chance even if they face defeat in qualifier 1.
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