RR defeated RCB by 29 runs in a low-scoring clash.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 29 runs in a low-scoring clash at MCA Stadium in Pune on Tuesday (April 26). With this win RR topped the points table, while RCB remained fifth.
RCB captain Faf du Plessis opted to bowl first after winning the toss and his bowlers responded to his decision as RR openers Jos Buttler (8) and Devdutt Padikkal (7) departed cheaply. R Ashwin (17), Sanju Samson (27) and Daryl Mitchell (16) got starts but could not go on to get a bigger score, as RCB reduced RR to 121/8 in the 19th over.
Riyan Parag (56*) provided some fireworks in the final over bowled by Harshal Patel to help RR finish with a competitive total of 144/8. He was also involved in a verbal spat with the bowler at the end of the innings.
WATCH – Riyan Parag and Harshal Patel engage in a heated exchange during RCB-RR clash
RCB's reply got off to the worst start possible with Virat Kohli (9) failing again in his new role as opener. Faf du Plessis (23) tried to build a sizable knock but once he fell, rest of the batting line-up capitulated for 115 in the final over. Kuldeep Sen (4/20) and R Ashwin (3/17) delivered match-winning spells for the team, as RR owned the record for the lowest successfully defended total of the season so far.
As players from both teams shook hands at the end of the game, Riyan Parag tried to make up with Harshal Patel as he offered a handshake but the latter chose to ignore his gesture and walked past him to shake hands with other RR players.
WATCH HERE: