IPL 2023, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Devon Conway's 83, Faf du Plessis-Glenn Maxwell's 126-run stand and Tushar Despande's 3-45 are top performances. CSK beat RCB and jump to 3rd spot in points table.
Brief Scores: CSK 226-6 (Conway 83, Dube 52, Siraj 1-30, Hasaranga 1-21) beat RCB 218-8 (Maxwell 76, Du Plessis 62, Deshpande 3-45, Theekshana 1-41) by 8 runs
Player of the Match: Devon Conway (83 0ff 45)
Namaskara Bengaluru! The 24th match of the 2023 TATA IPL got underway at M Chinnaswamy Stadium where Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were eventually beaten after putting up a stiff fight against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Much to the delight of the spectators, the game turned out to be a massive run feast as in excess of 440 runs were scored by the two sides.
CSK put up massive 226/6; RCB run CSK close but end up losing the game
RCB skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to field first on what looked like a belter of a track. Runs immediately started flowing thick and fast as CSK top-order batters took command and played some attacking shots all around the park. They ended the powerplay on a high with a score of 53-1 and looked well on course to accelerate even further. With RCB bowlers going for plenty, Devon Conway seized this moment to further go on the offensive and with sizeable contributions from Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja, CSK were able to end their innings with a strong total of 226 on the board.
In response, RCB got off to the worst possible start as they lost their chase master Virat Kohli to Akash Singh in a very shocking manner. His departure though did not seem to deter Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis, who built a rollicking 126 run stand for the 3rd wicket to shift the pressure back on the CSK bowlers. But CSK bowlers featuring the likes of Moeen Ali and Maheesh Theekshana, made a spirited comeback and removed the in-form batters. RCB later slipped into a precarious position while still requiring more than 10 RPO. Dinesh Karthik played a quick cameo of 28(14) but with two quick wickets at the fag end of the innings, RCB’s chase went off course and they eventually lost the game by 8 runs.
Read More: IPL 2023, RCB vs DC: Kohli's half-century and exceptional fielding secure win for RCB against DC
Talking Point: RCB’s lower order contribution yet to come to the fore
RCB’s lower order hasn’t been getting runs on a consistent basis in the ongoing IPL. And this very problem came to haunt them back in this game as Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga and Suyash Prabhudessai failed to add any significant contributions with the bat. The stage was set after Maxwell and Du Plessis together put up an astounding 126 run stand in just 61 balls. But with a rusty middle order to follow, RCB were unable to get over the finishing line and fell agonisingly short by 8 runs. Besides, the plan to send Hasaranga after Shahbaz also backfired and experts felt that the Sri Lankan all-rounder could have been sent much earlier to turn things around for his side.
Top performances from RCB vs CSK, IPL 2023
Devon Conway’s fireworks with the bat
The New Zealand batting prodigy had made up his mind to throw caution to the wind and raced to his half-century in 32 balls. Devon Conway's knock of 83(45) came at a staggering strike rate of 184.44 that featured 6 fours and 6 sixes. Apart from Mohammed Siraj, no other bowler was able to trouble him. He particularly enjoyed going after Wayne Parnell, Hasaranga and Harshal Patel and scored very briskly against them to tarnish their figures.
Faf du Plessis and Maxwell’s unbelievable partnership
After getting a reprieve on 0, Faf du Plessis went on to capitalise the opportunity and scored a fighting knock which got his side very close to the finishing line. He scored 62(33) at a record-breaking strike rate of 188 whilst being under pressure. With two early wickets at the start, Du Plessis had to steady the ship whilst at the same time keep the scoring rate high.
Du Plessis did a very commendable job by partnering with Glenn Maxwell at the other end as the duo registered a colossal 126-run stand for the 3rd wicket in just 61 balls bringing his side very close to a famous win. Maxwell played a fighting knock scoring 76(36) which featured 3 fours and 8 sixes.
Tushar Deshpande comes good with 3-45
At a venue which is often regarded as a graveyard for the bowlers, Tushar Deshpande bowled with heart and delivered timely blows for his side: one in the very beginning and two at the death which was instrumental in derailing the RCB chase. Although he went for runs aplenty in his allotted overs, he still managed to pick 3 wickets and slipped in 9 crucial dot balls that allowed CSK to turn the tide in their favour.
Points Table Scenario and What’s Next
With a win in today’s fixture, CSK climb up to number 3 spot whilst their NRR has marginally improved to 0.265. They will now host Sunrisers Hyderabad in their own backyard on April 21. Whereas, RCB on the other hand are at the number 7 position whilst their NRR has marginally deteriorated to - 0.318. They will now head to Mohali to face Punjab Kings in their next encounter on April 20.
IPL 2023 Points Table
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