IPL 2023: 65th Match SRH vs RCB: May 18, 2023

In a thrilling encounter, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) showcased a stunning chase led by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, solidifying their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. The match saw a remarkable T20 century by Heinrich Klaasen, setting a challenging target of 187 for RCB. Kohli recorded his sixth IPL hundred, marking the first IPL match with centuries from both sides. With just 15 runs required from 13 balls after Kohli’s departure, RCB comfortably achieved victory with four balls to spare.

This victory momentarily propelled RCB to the top four with 14 points, level with the Mumbai Indians. Both teams have one game remaining, but RCB holds a superior net run rate. The final matches of these two teams could potentially determine their playoff fate on the last day of the league stage.

Batting first on a slowish surface, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) faced early struggles as the opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi found it challenging to score runs. In the first three overs, they managed only 11 runs. Just as Tripathi started showing aggression with a four and a six in the fourth over, both batsmen lost their wickets to Michael Bracewell. Abhishek hit a loose delivery straight to cover point, while Tripathi was caught at short fine leg while attempting a lap shot.

However, the early wickets turned out to be a blessing in disguise for SRH as it brought their best batsman, Heinrich Klaasen, to the crease. Klaasen immediately displayed his prowess by playing exquisite shots off the back foot, particularly against short-pitched deliveries or slower ones. His ability to handle spin well forced RCB to reintroduce their fast bowlers earlier than planned. While Mohammed Siraj and Wayne Parnell bowled economical overs, Klaasen got the better of Harshal Patel. RCB found themselves needing an over of spin at the death, and Klaasen took full advantage by hitting Shahbaz Ahmed for consecutive sixes.

Despite Klaasen’s exceptional innings, the other SRH batsmen failed to provide significant support. Parnell and Siraj’s disciplined bowling in the 18th and 20th overs, respectively, restricted SRH to a total of 186. Klaasen scored 104 off 51 deliveries, while the remaining batters contributed only 76 runs off 69 balls. Klaasen’s innings showcased exceptional control and a strike rate of 204, making it one of the finest-controlled hundreds in IPL history, surpassed only by AB de Villiers.

The match, held in Hyderabad, witnessed fervent support for RCB with their fans chanting “Aar See Bee” (abbreviated form of RCB). The crowd erupted with excitement right from the first ball of RCB’s innings, as Kohli struck consecutive boundaries off Bhuvneshwar Kumar. SRH’s experimental bowling attack, comprising mainly medium pacers and one spinner, faced immediate pressure. RCB’s decision to bat first proved wise, as the pitch became easier to bat on during the second innings.

There were a couple of lucky moments for du Plessis, with a top edge off Kartik Tyagi’s bowling and a dropped catch by Glenn Phillips. Later, a stunning catch by Mayank Dagar was nullified as the height of the bouncer bowled by debutant Nitish Reddy was checked for legality, resulting in a free hit instead of a wicket. Despite these chances, du Plessis and Kohli formed a record-breaking opening partnership, becoming the most prolific opening pair in a single IPL season.

Kohli’s intent and aggression remained intact throughout the middle overs, much to the delight of the crowd. While du Plessis admired Kohli’s shots, the spinners managed to contain the scoring for a brief period. However, Kohli quickly broke the spell by executing a powerful slog-sweep against the turn of a left-arm spinner.

The landmarks kept coming as a matter of fact during the monumental partnership. Well before the partnership of 171 runs concluded, Kohli and du Plessis achieved their personal milestones. Du Plessis crossed the 50-run mark for the eighth time in this IPL season, with three consecutive half-centuries. Kohli, on the other hand, reached his seventh half-century.

This successful chase marked only the third time RCB has won while chasing a target of 185 or more in the history of the IPL, out of 36 attempts. In contrast, the Gujarat Titans, in just two seasons, have achieved the same feat on three occasions.

The match exhibited the thrilling nature of T20 cricket, showcasing exceptional individual performances and a nail-biting chase. With this victory, RCB strengthened their position in the playoffs race, bringing them closer to securing a spot in the tournament’s knockout stage.