Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday night by 42 runs. The loss has seriously dented their hopes of finishing in the top two with just one game remaining.
Chasing 232 runs to win, RCB were bowled out for 189 runs as they lost a flurry of wickets in the backend of their innings as they finished well short in the end.
The lower-order of Romario Shepherd (0), Tim David (1 run off 5 balls) and Krunal Pandya ( 6 runs off 8 balls) were all dismissed for low scores which cost the team heavily.
We Were Rusty - Jitesh Sharma
RCB's batting order collapsed when they needed to stand up and their stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma, at the post-match press conference, said that the loss was a reality check as to where they stand before the playoffs.
"Sometimes losing a game is a very good sign because you can check and analyse. The positive thing is that everyone is chipping in. After this loss, we've got a setback to reflect again. We'll move forward," said stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma.
Jitesh himself scored 24 off 15 balls. Their regular skipper Rahat Patidar who is struggling with an injury came in as an impact sub and scored 18 runs off 16 runs in the back half of the overs for his side. They lost the momentum as they failed to keep up with the scoring rate. Jitesh added saying that the batters were rusty in the final overs.
"We were rusty. The intensity wasn't there at the start. Towards the death overs, we bowled more accurately. As for Tim, I haven't met him yet because I was upset after getting out," Jitesh admitted, reflecting on the team's lackluster outing.
RCB To Play The Last League Game Of The Season Against LSG
RCB needs to win their final game against LSG and hopes for a few results to go their way to finish in the top two. Bengaluru can finish with 19 points with a win against LSG in their last game on May 27. Tuesday. RCB plays the final league game of the season against LSG and hence they will know exactly what they need to do to finish on the top two.
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