RCB dominate LSG as Kohli, Hazlewood star in Bengaluru

By Razeen Gutta

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruised to a five-wicket win over the Lucknow Super Giants in a low-scoring IPL clash at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, reclaiming their spot at the top of the table.

On a slow pitch, LSG managed only 146 all out, with Mitchell Marsh’s 40 off 32 the top score.

RCB’s bowlers thrived in the conditions. Rasikh Salam led with 4-24, using smart slower balls, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 3-27 and Josh Hazlewood delivered a stellar 1-20 with 13 dot balls.

Chasing 147, Virat Kohli anchored the RCB innings with 49 off 34 balls. Rajat Patidar’s rapid 27 off 13 eased any pressure while Jitesh Sharma’s 23 off 9 kept momentum high.

Tim David and Romario Shepherd both finished on 14* off eight balls to seal victory with 29 balls to spare.

RCB now lead with eight points from five games ahead of the Rajasthan Royals on net run rate. The Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad make up the current top four while LSG stay seventh on four points following their second defeat on the bounce.

Pictured above: Virat Kohli

Source: @royalchallengers.bengaluru