After their performance at the IPL last year, everyone was actually waiting to see Royal Challengers Bangalore spring into action into this year’s tournament and to be more precise everyone was waiting to see the big man Chris Gayle. But at the end of it, he did not feature in one of the most anticipated match of the tournament. It would have been great to see him in action but nevertheless the match sans him did not fail to deliver on the expected lines.

Challengers ideally the best team of the tournament after initial hiccups recovered well to defeat Delhi Daredevils who were on a high after their first win against Kolkata Knight Riders. On a day when lot was expected out of Delhi’s batsmen they failed after their bowlers did well to restrict their opponent under 160. But then the batting line up led by Mr. Swashbuckling Virender Sehwag was off colours completely and eventually handed an easy victory to Challengers.

Here are some of the hits and flop from the match:

Hits and flop Royal Challengers Bangalore

Hits

Andrew McDonald: McDonald opened the innings for Challengers, a decision which came out of nowhere. But it proved one of the deciding factors of the match and his breezy innings at the start of the innings made sure that his team was off to a good start. He scored 30 of 19 balls which included four boundaries and two sixes.

AB de Villiers: His smile can kill and so does his willow. He has again proved that why he is one of the most dependable batsmen of the cricketing world. He came at time when his team was in a decent position but then could sudden flurry of wickets from the other side. But just as always he stayed on did not crumble under pressure and once he set his eyes his unleashed his wrath. His innings comprised of both cricketing and orthodox shots. He heaved, drove and always reverse swept and end of it all took his team to a respectable 157. He scored 62 of 42 deliveries including six fours and two sixes. He was eventually named the man of the match.

Muttiah Muralidharan: This man needs to no introduction. He looked a like an old wine in new bottle. After retiring from international cricket, people thought he was done for. But then his sharp turn and clever bowling antics did make one thing clear that he is not someone who could be written off so soon. He was instrumental in helping Challengers win and his spell of 25 runs for three wickets in four overs drew appreciation from all quarters.

Hits and Flops of Delhi Daredevils:

Flops

Irfan Pathan: He was made to bowl four over and what a disaster it proved to be. He went wicket less and gave away 47 runs in his spell of four overs making him the most expensive bowler of the match.

Virender Sehwag: Seeing him bat for a short period of time in the match against the Knight Riders made everyone believe that he would be the man who would make the difference in the match. He did but in the manner not desired by his team. He was out for a duck in the first ball he faced and what a detrimental effect it had on the team. His team crumbled and could never get back into the match.

Hits:

Doug Bracewell: His bowling was the only positive thing that happened for Delhi Daredevils. His spell of four overs in which he took three wickets and gave away 32 runs is the only thing his team would take forward in the next match.

By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News