Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a narrow eight-run defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a high-scoring thriller at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday (April 17).

Chasing 227 to win, RCB lost Virat Kohli (6) and Mahipal Lomror (0) early and were reduced to 15/2 in two overs. Amid the pressure situation, Faf du Plessis (62 off 33) and Glenn Maxwell (76 off 36) took the CSK attack to the cleaners, stitching a 126-run partnership in just 61 balls.

It was carnage from both ends as the hosts raced past 140 in just the 12th over, bringing the required rate under control. However, the duo got out in quick succession as RCB eventually managed 218/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Speaking after the game, RCB skipper Du Plessis said they batted perfectly but couldn’t finish off the chase.  

“I think we played it perfectly, the last five overs were set up for the finish. DK finishing the game, that's bread and butter for him, but that shows how good their bowling was. 200 was going to be par, we went for few runs towards the end. We could have minimised the damage by restricting them (for less than 20 in an over),” Du Plessis said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“The last four overs was where it was set up for a perfect finish. It was one of those wickets, one of the best (for batters.) As a bowler you need to be skilful, Siraj was unbelievable. We couldn't manage to finish it off, but we got to move on. I lost a little bit of power towards the end, was disappointed as I got stiff. Need to keep going harder against the spinners in the middle overs,” he added.

Royal Challengers Bangalore will next face Punjab Kings in Mohali on April 20.