The opening pair of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis gave Royal Challengers Bangalore a customary strong start, amassing 82 runs for the first wicket. However, Mitchell Marsh turned the tide in Delhi Capitals’ favor by dismissing the RCB captain for 45 runs, followed by compatriot Glenn Maxwell for a golden duck.
Nevertheless, RCB bounced back with a steady half-century from Kohli and an explosive unbeaten knock of 54 runs by Mahipal Lomror, at a stunning strike rate of 186.20. Anuj Rawat added to the final push with a six in the last over, helping the team finish at a competitive total of 181/4 in 20 overs.
Any concerns about Delhi’s opening batsmen struggling against the fierce pace attack of Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood vanished when David Warner and Mitchell Phil Salt settled into their rhythm.
Warner departed for an audacious 22 on the first ball of the sixth over, but not before the home team had racked up 60 runs. Marsh added another rapid 26 before falling to Impact Player Harshal Patel, leaving the team needing 63 runs off 57 deliveries.
Salt’s scintillating knock of 87 runs off just 45 balls ensured that his side triumphed with 20 balls to spare, rendering Marsh’s dismissal insignificant in the outcome.