The second qualifier match between Royal Challenger Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants was one of the thrilling match in the entire IPL22 till now.
With Rajat Patidar’s exceptional century to KL Rahul fighting 79, this match was the perfect example of the grandness of Indian Premier League.
The match happened between RCB and LSG on 25th may, Eden Garden, Kolkata.
Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and decided to bowl first.
RCB didn’t get the start they would have wanted in a crucial match like this. Skipper Faf du Plessis lost his wicket in the first over.
Kohli also went to the pavilion just for 25(24).
But the real show was yet to begin. Rajat Patidar scored a destructive century 112* in just 54 balls, 12 fours and 7 sixes and remain not out.
Dinesh Karthik also played a cameo innings 37 in the end and helped RCB to reach a massive target of 207.
In the 2nd innings, LSG also lost their crucial opener Quinton de Kock in the first over. But KL Rahul 79(58) and Deepak Hooda 45(26) built a 96 run partnership. And at one point the majority of people thought that LSG was going to win this match. But W Hasaranga bowled Deepak Hooda on 14th over. After that, LSG completely lost their way. And RCB bowlers restricted LSG in 196.
KL Rahul once again played the captaincy innings and he scored a 79 runs in 58 balls. During this his strike rate was 136. However, now the fans are questioning KL Rahul. In the middle overs he played a very slow innings. Where Patidar scored 112 in 54 balls, KL only scored 79 in 58 balls.
And when team needed their captain to finish the game, KL Rahul got out, leaving no possibility for the team to bounce back in the game. He played a knock with a low strike rate of 138.
Fans criticised the approach and intent of KL Rahul in this massive run chase. They blamed KL Rahul for LSG’s defeat against RCB in Eliminator.