Who Said What to Royal Challengers Bangalore's thrilling chase against Gujarat Lions
An in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore continued their good run of form as they defeated the Gujarat Lions by four wickets in what was a thrilling chase in Bangalore. AB de Villiers arguably played his best knock of this Indian Premier League as his unbeaten knock of 79 handed RCB safe passageway to the IPL final.
Earlier, Dwayne Smith played a valuable knock for Gujarat Lions scoring a knock of 73 runs to help his side reach a total of some respectability. Dhawal Kulkarni's early wickets pushed RCB on the back foot as they were 29/5 at one point of time. However, ABD came up with a special knock to power RCB through to their third IPL final.
Here is how the cricketing fraternity reacted:
Gujarat Lions captain, Suresh Raina:
“AB batted really well. We bowled well upfront. We bowled well in the middle It is a small ground and we did not get wickets in the in-between overs. Smithy and Dwivedi batted well. 160 was defendable. Dr Smith made crucial runs.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, Virat Kohli:
“I don't believe that I am standing here as the winning captain. That ends the debate who is the best. I bow down to the big man [AB]. One of the best knocks under pressure. Really happy for him. We have played good cricket coming into the playoffs.
“Today, the top order did not do well. I could see the opposition was worried about AB. Credit to Abdulla as well. Terrific composure from the young guy. The ball stopped early but eased in the second innings. It couldn't be a better-scripted story for us: playoffs in Bangalore and final in Bangalore. This one is for the people of Bangalore.”
Man-of-the-match, AB de Villiers:
“I was very, very nervous to be honest. I know if I was at the end, we would be close. The one boundary just cleared the fielder and I saw the ball well from then. I attacked Dwayne Smith; Virat said the weather was bad. This crowd is the loudest I have heard in my life... We went down in the first half of the tournament, but we have turned it around.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore opener, Chris Gayle:
Finally another @IPL final with @RCBTweets - @ABdeVilliers17 & @iqqiabdullah just brilliant!! Lets celebrate this one tonight!
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) May 24, 2016
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, David Warner:
If it's not @imVkohli its @ABdeVilliers17 wow serious players.
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) May 24, 2016
England fast bowler, Stuart Broad:
Whiplash @ABdeVilliers17 @IPL pic.twitter.com/hcJzDT8br9
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) May 24, 2016
Former Indian batsman, VVS Laxman:
Special knock under pressure from a special player to take @RCBTweets into the finalsWell played @ABdeVilliers17 #IPL2016 #RCBvGL
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 24, 2016
Former Australian opener, Matthew Hayden:
Unbelievable innings by @ABdeVilliers17 now that is how you handle pressure @IPL #GLvRCB
— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) May 24, 2016
Former Pakistan all-rounder, Azhar Mahmood:
What a win @RCBTweets ! Take a bow @ABdeVilliers17 you're such an Inspiration for all. Well played buddy. Congrats @imVkohli paaji
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) May 24, 2016
Former West Indies bowler, Ian Bishop:
Never despair while AB is there. Well played RCB. (Whispering voice)As a longtime closet RCB fan,really pleased to see them reach the final.
— ian bishop (@irbishi) May 24, 2016
Former England captain, Michael Vaughan:
That's what you call a #Carlsberg innings @ABdeVilliers17 ... #unbelievable
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 24, 2016
Former New Zealand all-rounder, Scott Styris:
Congrats to Dan Vettori, @TrentWoodhill and the @RCBTweets for earning their spot in the vivo 2016 @IPL final! #backthekiwis #toughtobeat
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) May 24, 2016
Former Indian women's cricket team captain, Anjum Chopra:
The confidence and belief gets reinforced for @RCBTweets. Chased and won even after Virat having an off day. First team to #Finals @IPL
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) May 24, 2016
Former England women's cricketer, Isa Guha:
Wow!! @RCBTweets congrats!! What's a game. @ABdeVilliers17 superstar!! @IPL #GLvRCB
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) May 24, 2016
Former England cricketer, Neil Fairbrother:
If @imVkohli doesn't get you @ABdeVilliers17 will!! @IPL a serious cricket comp!!!
— Neil Fairbrother (@Harv366) May 24, 2016