- RCB fail to defend 206 and lose by four wickets to PBKS.
- On Sunday, RCB allowed the most wides in an IPL game.
- Faf du Plessis’ debut match as RCB captain ended in defeat.
On Sunday, Royal Challengers Bangalore made history by becoming the first side in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to fail to defend a total of 200 or more on four times. Punjab Kings chased down a 206-run target with an over to spare in their first encounter of the 2022 season at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, setting a new low for RCB. Is RCB struggling?
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, set a new record for the most successful chases of targets above 200 runs. Sunday’s breathtaking chase was the fourth time PBKS had done it in the IPL’s history.
PBKS has boasts three successful 200-plus chases in the IPL, one more than four-time champions Chennai Super Kings.
MOST 200-PLUS CHASES
PBKS – 4
CSK – 3
KKR – 2
RR – 2
In the meantime, RCB struggling on the ground continued as they set yet another unwelcome record by allowing the most wides in an IPL encounter. In their 4-wicket loss against PBKS on Sunday in Mumbai, the 2016 finalists gave up as many as 21 runs.
MOST WIDES IN AN IPL MATCH
21 – RCB v PBKS in 2022
19 – PBKS v Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011
18 – RCB v Rajasthan Royals in 2008
18 – RR v KKR at in 2015
18 – RCB v Mumbai Indians in 2018
Punjab Kings’ power-hitting prowess was on display as RCB bowlers, particularly Mohammed Siraj (2/59) and Wanindu Hasarnga, were hammered.
After Punjab’s new-look openers Mayank Agarwal (24-ball 32) and Shikhar Dhawan (29-ball 43) forged a 71-run stand in only 43 balls, Bhunuka Rajapaksa hit a match-winning 43 off just 22 balls.
While Liam Livingstone’s 10-ball 19 included two sixes, Odean Smith’s 8-ball 25 not out included three sixes as the West Indies great made up for a costly 4-over spell with the ball. As Punjab scooped up two points, Shahrukh Khan stayed undefeated, scoring the winning runs.
Even after posting big scores RCB struggling to keep the opposition at bay and sooner than later they will need to plug the gaps if they want to end the trophy drought.