Pacers dismantle LSG to take RCB to the top

On a Chinnaswamy surface which was more sluggish than usual, Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Lucknow Super Giants by 5 wickets. The win took the defending champions to the top of the points table with their fourth victory from five matches.

Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 146 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 40, Mukul Choudhary 39, Ayush Badoni 38; Rasikh Salam Dar 4-24, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-27) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 149/5 in 15.1 overs (Virat Kohli 49, Rajat Patidar 27; Prince Yadav 3-32, Avesh Khan 2-23) by 5 wickets.

The RCB bowlers made the most of a slow surface. Rasikh Salam Dar was the star, using his slower deliveries to great effect and returning career-best figures of 4/24. Bhuvneshwar Kumar supported with three wickets.

How did LSG stutter with the bat?

LSG began positively but were tied down to 35/1 in the Powerplay. Nicholas Pooran fell early, extending his poor run. Ayush Badoni and Mukul Choudhary stabilised the innings with 30+ scores, but LSG lost their way in the slog-overs, losing six wickets for 34 runs.

What happened to Rishabh Pant?

The LSG skipper took a blow on his left elbow from a Josh Hazlewood short ball and retired hurt. He returned briefly but was dismissed for 1 run. Pant did not take the field later, with Nicholas Pooran standing in as captain.

How did RCB go about their chase?

Virat Kohli, playing as an Impact Sub, was central to the chase. He attacked from the start, racing to 35 off 15 balls. He fell for 49, shortly after taking the Orange Cap. Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma chipped in with useful cameos to complete the chase comfortably.

Where do the teams head next?

RCB remain at home to face Delhi Capitals on Saturday (April 18). LSG travel to face Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on Sunday (April 19).