IPL 8 Match Preview: RCB a win away from playoffs

Virat Kohli smashed a 19-ball 44 in DD’s last game with SRH. (Source: BCCI/IPL)

Royal Challengers Bangalore (beat SRH)

What went right: A target of 81 off six overs was a very tall order, especially against Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling. Bangalore overcame the odds by sheer talent. Chris Gayle fired the opening salvo with a 10-ball 35. Virat Kohli played a captain’s knock to take his side home. Bangalore have match-winners aplenty in their ranks, and it gives them a big advantage in pressure situations.

What went wrong: Fielding. Mandeep Singh and Sarfaraz Khan dropped sitters and Harshal Patel missed a run out at arm’s length. Moises Henriques was the beneficiary. RCB nearly paid for the mistakes.

Delhi Daredevils (beat CSK)

What went right: Delhi Daredevils played one of their better matches against Chennai Super Kings. They bowled brilliantly to restrict the table-toppers for 119. Zaheer Khan rolled back the years, returning with 2/9 in four overs. Shreyas Iyer, however, is the biggest positive for Delhi this season. The youngster showed class during his 70 not out off 49 balls on a difficult surface.

What Went Wrong: It has been another season of failure for Delhi and a resounding win over Chennai doesn’t change that. Selections have had been strange at times. Nothing justified Nathan Coulter-Nile’s omission in the last game.

Conclusion

A win will take Bangalore to play-offs. On the Chinnaswamy featherbeds, they start as big favourites.

Source:: Indian Express