IPL 2018, RCB vs SRH: Tim Southee's death-bowling spell is SK Turning Point of the match
The Royal Challengers Bangalore kept their campaign in IPL 2018 alive and ticking after securing a 14-run victory over the table-toppers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday (May 17).
Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to unleash his strong bowling line-up against the home side.
However, the might of RCB's overseas performers proved too much to handle for the visitors, as AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, and Colin de Grandhomme powered Bangalore to a Herculean total of 218-6, with their sensational batting in the first innings.
However, the Men in Orange showed exactly why they have clinched the first spot on the points table, with their fightback in the second innings of the game.
They set themselves up beautifully for the chase and the match could've gone either way at the end of it all.
Captain Williamson led from the front yet again, scoring 80 runs off just 41 balls on the day. Manish Pandey found back his form as well, getting a strong and unbeaten fifty in the chase.
Despite their significant efforts though, SRH could not ultimately taste victory, thanks to an incredible death bowling performance from Tim Southee, who was exceptional in this game.
With Hyderabad requiring 55 runs off the last four overs, the Kiwi seamer gave away just 21 runs in two overs, which was an immense effort in the context of the game.
His death bowling effort was what put pressure on the right-handed duo on the crease, thus becoming the SK Turning Point of the game.
The 17th over, in particular, was out of a coaching manual on how to maintain discipline and consistency in your bowling in high octane pressure.
With a string off yorkers wide outside the off-stump, Southee gave away just six runs in six deliveries, exhibiting his class on the day.
As a result of his effort, RCB now find themselves with a real chance of making it to the playoffs of the tournament.
They will now travel to Jaipur to take on the Rajasthan Royals in a match that might just be a virtual quarter-final for both the sides.
Right now, they are both tied at 12 points and the team that loses the game will be knocked out of the competition straight away. Virat Kohli and Co. have the momentum on their side and thus, will back themselves to get the job done against RR on Saturday (May 19).
"The wicket was very good and in the second innings, there was a lot of dew. Hats off to the bowlers for maintaining the composure and giving us two points. The last three games have been like this with our backs against the wall. We head to Rajasthan with momentum on our side. The team is feeling great. Someone stepping up every time and that is what you expect in a team game," said the RCB skipper after the game.
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