Royal Challengers Bangalore pull of an unexpected win of 14 runs over Chennai Super Kings to open the semi finals gate for few teams. Royal Challengers batting first manage just 126 runs in their 20 overs and then restrict the opposition for just 112/8 in their 20 overs to registered their third win of IPL twenty20 2008. When first inning was folded no one were talking or even dream of Chennai Super Kings will loss the match but it was totally poor shot selection and some fine fielding by Royal Challengers Bangalore and some bold captaincy by Rahul Dravid rewarded the Royal Challengers a much needed win for their camp. At one stage Chennai Super Kings were going well when there both openers put on 60 runs in just nine over but the loss of two quick wickets of P.Patel and M.S.Dhoni put some break on scoring. At that time also equation were well in favor of home side but some poor shot selection and some fine bowling by veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble who got two wickets in his last over i.e. 14th over of CSK innings put the breaks on the scoring. Needing 15 runs from the last over bowled by Praveen Kumar, Suresh Raina declined two singles to Makhaya Ntini at the other end which cost Chennai dear. The last over went for a solitary run. Earlier Royal Challengers Bangalore once again struggle with bat and just manage 126/8 in their twenty overs. Under-fire Bangalore captain Rahul Dravid waged yet another lone battle with a brave 47 before becoming one of Albie Morkel's four victims. Praveen Kumar was the next highest scorer with 21. With two matches remaining for Chennai Super Kings and that too against one of the top quality side like Rajasthan Royals and underperformer Deccan Chargers and now they need to win at least one of those to secure their place in the semifinals. A.Kumble was declared Man of the Match. Match Summary Royal Challengers Bangalore– 126/8 in 20 Overs R.Dravid– 47 P.Kumar – 21 A.Morkel– 4-0-32-4 M.Gony– 4-1-11-2 Chennai Super Kings– 112/8 in 20 Overs S.Fleming– 45 P.Patel- 21 A.Kumble– 4-0-14-3 D.Styen– 4-0-28-2 |
