By Razeen Gutta
Another defeat for the Royal Challengers in front of their loyal Bengaluru fans will send Faf du Plessis and company back to the drawing board.
Looking to make amends following their seven wicket loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders, RCB won the toss and opted to chase at the Chinnaswamy.
The dismissal of LSG captain KL Rahul at the backend of the powerplay helped keep the visitors down despite an incredible knock of 80 in 56 balls by Quinton the de Kock at the other end.
On a difficult day for Mohammed Siraj and Cameron Green, wickets at regular intervals helped restrict the Super Giants to 181/5 in their 20 overs, when a 200 plus score looked far from impossible.
In reply, RCB started well, with Virat Kohli looking sharp for his 22 off 16 balls. His dismissal to M Siddharth and the run out of du Plessis in the space of five deliveries switched the tide, though.
At one down, Rajat Patidar got just the start he would have wanted; but once Mayank Yadav took the ball, the game was Lucknow’s to lose.
The 21-year-old pacer from Delhi seemingly has his sights on Indian colours, delivering back-to-back man of the match performances.
On this occasion, his figures of 3/14 in four overs were enough to guide his side home, putting two crucial away points on the board.
For RCB it is now three defeats in four games with a trip to the table-topping Rajasthan Royals next on the agenda for them.
On Wednesday, the Delhi Capitals host Kolkata Knight Riders before the Gujarat Titans take on the Punjab Kings on Thursday.
Pictured above: Mayank Yadav
Image source: @IPL
