RCB vs PBKS: Bangalore qualifies for the playoffs beating Punjab.

RCB vs PBKS 2021: RCB has booked their spot in the playoffs to win a thrilling win over Punjab Kings. An all-round effort from the Virat brigade nearly survives the king’s conquest.

Interesting strategy from Virat Kohli choosing to bat first, diverting from UAE’s trademark till now. Also, RCB were with the same team as the last match. On the flip side, their opponent had three changes, Sarfaraz Khan in place of Deepak Hooda, and Harpreet Brar in place of Fabian Allen, and Moises Henriques in for Nathan Ellis.

Glenn Maxwell was the star of the show with buttery smooth 50. He has come to life for the Bangalore side in the second phase. His innings saw 4 sixes and 3 fours to help RCB recover in the RCB vs PBKS clash.

Starting with a comfortable opening partnership, RCB erected a nice base. However, the Australian all-rounder, Moises Henriques, gave RCB a sudden attack from his quick three wickets in no time.

Supporting Maxwell on the other end, de Villiers did not face many deliveries. Although, their partnership stretched RCB’s score to 164 runs.

In the end, Shami took the torch in his hand and tightened his grip to limit any further damage. He picked up three wickets all at the death.

The start was similar for PBKS or even better than RCB. The first stint lasted 11 overs with a run-rate of 8.5. Mayank being the aggressor brought his fighting fifty to give his team a nice boost of confidence.

However, the spinners came and slowed the runs which were leaking and also gave winning breakthroughs to RCB. Yuzvendra Chahal, whose shocking exclusion from the Indian World Cup squad, brought RCB back in the game tricking his opponents en-peasant.

Aiden Markram did look to fight back hard but could not survive the mounting pressure of wickets tumbling on the other side, gifting his wicket.

Harshal Patel had 19 runs to defend in the final over, which he did with his variations. Maxwell won the Man of the Match award for his fighting fifty.

Watch the RCB vs PBKS highlights.

RCB vs PBKS: post-match presentation.

KL Rahul.

“I had the orange cap for the last couple of years but it does not mean anything. Maxwell and AB de Villiers played a crucial knock for them. I always play a role to the team’s needs. In T20s, The top three has to score a bulk of runs and we lack in that aspect.”

“Shahrukh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Harpreet Brar have been wonderful for the team for the last couple of games and we will try and score more in the next game.”

Yuzvendra Chahal.

“I just made sure I believe in myself and I lack that in the first leg. 160 was a good score on this pitch and wickets early on were very crucial. Mayank is a great batter and I love to play against him. We are not worrying much and taking it game by game.”