Salt, Patidar and Krunal put RCB back on winning track
Royal Challengers Bengaluru bounced back with a commanding batting performance to defeat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs. Powered by Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Tim David, RCB posted 240/4. Mumbai's chase, despite a late blitz from Sherfane Rutherford, fell short at 222/5.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240/4 in 20 overs (Philip Salt 78 (36), Rajat Patidar 53 (20), Tim David 34* (16); Hardik Pandya 1-39) beat Mumbai Indians 222/5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71* (31), Hardik Pandya 40 (22); Suyash Sharma 2-47) by 18 runs.
| Phase | RCB | MI | Run-rate (RCB – MI) | 4s/6s (RCB – MI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 71/0 | 62/0 | 11.83 – 10.33 | 5/5 – 6/4 |
| Middle overs | 116/2 | 85/4 | 12.88 – 9.44 | 9/7 – 10/2 |
| Death overs | 53/2 | 75/1 | 10.60 – 15.00 | 4/3 – 2/8 |
RCB's Batting Assault
Salt provided the platform with a 36-ball 78, including six sixes and six fours. Patidar then accelerated with a 20-ball 53, and David finished strongly with 34* off 16. Krunal Pandya played a key role with the ball, conceding only 26 runs in four overs and taking the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav.
MI's Chase and Key Moments
Mumbai started positively in the Powerplay at 62/0, but lost momentum after Suyash Sharma took two quick wickets. Despite Rutherford's unbeaten 71 off 31 balls, including a flurry of sixes in the final overs, the target proved too steep.
Injury and Player Concerns
Rohit Sharma retired hurt with a hamstring issue during the Powerplay. Virat Kohli did not field due to an ankle problem, and RCB's Impact Player, Rasikh Salam, left the field briefly with a leg issue.
What's Next
RCB return home to face Lucknow Super Giants on April 15. Mumbai Indians stay at home to host Punjab Kings on April 16.
