RCB vs GT Match Highlights – RCB’s Playoffs Hope Still Alive

Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated table topper Gujarat Titans by eight wickets in their final league match to stay alive in the IPL playoff race here at Wankhede Stadium. Virat Kohli played a match-winning knock, scoring 73 runs off 54 balls, and returned to form.

Virat Kohli and captain Faf du Plessis teamed up for a 115-run partnership, which RCB chased down with eight balls remaining. Glen Maxwell scored a quick 40 not out in 18 balls to finish the match in RCB’s favor. The man of the match award was given to Virat Kohli for his efforts in the must-win game.

Read RCB vs GT: Watch Natasa’s reaction after Hardik’s bat went high in the air

Gujarat Titans’ Innings

Earlier in the first innings, Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya helped his team to reach a respectable total. He warmed up very well for the play-offs with a well-crafted half-century, despite not being at his fluent best, after a spate of low scores.

As Rashid Khan joined Hardik in the death overs, he did what he has been doing throughout the season: hitting a couple of sixes to take the total past 160. Rashid scored not-out 19 runs in just six balls. David Miller continued his impressive form in the tournament, hitting 34 runs off 25 balls in the middle overs.

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RCB’s bowling was top-notch, but their death-over issue is still haunting them, as Gujarat made 41 runs in the final three overs of the innings. The team has the least wickets among other teams in death overs. 

The death-over specialist for the RCB had an injury while fielding. Harshal Patel injured his webbing while trying to stop the ball. David Miller smashed a back-of-length delivery off Wanindu Hasaranga that travels to the cover region very quickly. Harshal stopped the ball, but in the process injured his webbing. As a result, he was unable to bowl his four overs. 

Read Harshal Patel is the best Indian death bowler according to Sachin Tendulkar

Same situation for RCB

Even after the win, RCB is in the same situation as they are practically every season, with their playoff hopes not being entirely in their hands. RCB climbed up to the fourth position in the rankings with 16 points, but their destiny will be decided by the outcome of the Delhi Capitals-Mumbai Indians match on Saturday. If Delhi loses, RCB will qualify for the playoffs. Delhi Capitals are looking favorites in the match as their team is playing good cricket in the last few matches. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh are showing good form in batting.

Read Can RCB win the IPL 2022?

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