Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis was delighted after their convincing eight-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Thursday. While chasing a challenging score of 187 runs, RCB got the much-needed win to stay afloat in the playoffs race.
The in-form Faf du Plessis added 64 runs with Virat Kohli in the Powerplay overs to give a perfect start to their team. In fact, the South African had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped by Glenn Phillips when he was only on eight runs.
Faf, who is currently the Orange Cap holder with 702 runs in 13 matches, added 172 runs with Virat Kohli in the run-chase. Faf scored 71 runs from 47 balls whereas Kohli went on to score his sixth IPL century, scoring 100 runs off 63 balls.
Faf and Kohli have played an instrumental role in the success of RCB in the ongoing season and the former added they complement each other really well.
Faf feels 200 would have been a par score and they did well to restrict the opposition to under 190. The RCB skipper added he and Virat score their runs in different areas of the ground and thus they are difficult to bowl to. In fact, the alliance of 172 runs between Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli is the second-highest for RCB in the history of the IPL.
The right-handed duo batted at the top of their game against the SRH bowlers as they delivered under pressure in a must-win contest.
Faf du Plessis said in the post-match presentation, “Amazing chase, isn’t it! That’s my first reaction. Did feel walking off after the first innings that it was a very good wicket. I felt 200 was a par score. Not many balls turned for the spinners. We’re doing the right things from a batting perspective. In the previous game, we were also clinical with the ball.”
He added, “We complement each other really well (partnership with Kohli). We play in very different areas so it’s difficult to bowl to. We’re good mates on and off the field. We’re going back to Chinnaswamy which will be an amazing game. A lot of fans coming in and another must-win for us.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their last league stage match against defending champions Gujarat Titans at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on Sunday.
