Du Plessis, bowlers seal see-saw win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB lost six wickets for only 25 runs in the chase after a strong start, but Karthik and Swapnil counterpunched to complete the win
RCB lost six wickets for only 25 runs in the chase after a strong start, but Karthik and Swapnil counterpunched to complete the win
Scorer: K Vairavan | Commentator: Alan Gardner
11.10pm: That's a wrap from Bengaluru, but you know where to come tomorrow for Sunday's double-header. Thanks for all your comments. From myself, Srinidhi and Vairavan, it's goodnight and good luck. Byeeeeee!
11pm: Time for the presentations. RCB captain Faf du Plessis: "Been really good last few games, the way we've played with bat and ball. Aggressive with the bat, unbelievable in the field. [Assessment of conditions] There was more bounce in the wicket, we got that information and the bowlers were consistently really good. We dropped a catch but have been really consistent. Something around 180-90 would have been a good score, but we've seen the way the game has changed. Don't look at the scoreboard and play the way that we want to play. It was a bit nerve-racking, another wicket, another wicket. Probably not the best but you're trying to be positive, get your NRR up. It makes sense from that point of view but it gets to the point when you need to show a bit of calmness and composure - probably around four down, so some lessons to be learned from that."
Mohammed Siraj is Player of the Match for his powerplay burst and figures of 2 for 29: "I was actually sick since last night and wasn't going to play at all today, so this is great. When I got up this morning I thought it was better to rest but the almighty made me play. I kind of manifested it this morning because I envisioned it in a way that I would get Saha out like that, caught behind. I had been playing red-ball cricket for long and hadn't played with the white ball since the ODI World Cup. So my rhythm was missing a little bit when I came here. But it came back gradually as I worked and practised more and more."
10.50pm: Third win in a row for RCB, and they are up to seventh on NRR after completing their chase with more than six overs to spare. Titans lose again, and sink down into the lower reaches of the table. It was messy in the end, despite a record-breaking opening stand from Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, but the home side eventually gave their fans something to cheer - there haven't been too many opportunities at the Chinnaswamy this season - as well as keeping the top-four in view
Shubman Gill: [Setting target] "It depends on the wicket. First couple of overs you get a good idea and play according to that. I think 170-80 on this wicket would have been a good total. How we batted in the powerplay, and how they bowled, decided the game. We would have had one extra bowler but losing three wickets in the powerplay [changed planning]. Very important to start from zero in our next match and move on from this game. Learn from mistakes and not repeat them. All about winning from here on."
Dinesh Karthik: "Started with a cup of tea, then after four overs I had a cappuccino and thought I wouldn't be batting. Things happened and then I had to have a bat. [Approach] How to hit boundaries, basic cricketing skills come through. I backed myself to get the job done. The pitch was good to bowl on, having been under the covers there was a bit of moisture. Good toss to win but they bowlers did the job beautifully. The way Faf and Virat batted, I don't think they would have played the same shots batting first! [Swapnil advice] Play for the one that comes in. Said the sweep is a good option, but commit to it."
Slip and short leg for Swapnil
He dismissed both openers in a scintillating new-ball burst, consigning Titans to the lowest powerplay score of the season
RCB lost six wickets for only 25 runs in the chase after a strong start, but Karthik and Swapnil counterpunched to complete the win
Royal Challengers blasted their highest powerplay total, after having consigned Titans to their worst showing in the phase
Titans, meanwhile, will be looking to revise their plans at a ground that's been a graveyard for spinners
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