Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 14 runs in the Eliminator of the ongoing IPL 2022 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 25. With the thrilling win, the RCB set the second Qualifier date with Rajasthan Royals (RR) to get a ticket to the final of the IPL 2022.
RCB and RR will now battle it out in the second qualifier of the ongoing IPL 2022 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 27 to book a place in the final, as Gujarat Titans (GT) have already qualified for the summit clash to be played on May 29 at the same venue.
After losing the toss to LSG, the RCB came to bat first and posted 207/4 on the board on the back of Rajat Patidar’s stunning century at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
With the help of 12 fours and 7 sixes, Patidar played an unbeaten knock of 112 runs off 54 balls to take RCB single-handedly to 207 in 20 overs against the LSG. Later, LSG was bowled out for 193/6 to lose the match to RCB by 14 runs as the new franchise’s hopes for a maiden IPL title crashed out with this defeat.
After the match, Patidar opened up about his heroics with the bat against the LSG, as well as explained how the over against Krunal Pandya helped him to realize that he was in for a big inning. Notably, Patidar hit Pandya for three fours and a six to set the tone for the RCB against the LSG.
Rajat Patidar said at the post-match presentation: “I have been timing the ball and that was the focus, instead of powering the ball. In the last over of the powerplay, when I was facing Krunal Pandya, the way I could execute my plans, I felt I could score big today.”
He signed off by saying, “My focus was about cashing in on the opportunity and looked to play with the straight bat and time it. I don't come under pressure even after facing dots because of the ability I know I have. I wasn't picked up in the auction but was involved in my practice and that helped.”
(Star Sports inputs)
