Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered a crushing 112-run defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Match 60 of IPL 2023 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Sunday (May 14).

Opting to bat first, RCB posted 171/5 in their allotted 20 overs on the back of half-centuries from Glenn Maxwell (54 off 33) and Faf du Plessis (55 off 44).

In reply, RR’s innings folded for a paltry 59 in just 10.3 overs. It was a listless batting display as only two batters managed to cross the double-digit mark. Shimron Hetmyer top scored with 19-ball 35.

After the game, RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara said that the match was lost in the powerplay itself after half of the side was sent packing by RCB.

“It was a poor batting performance. We bowled well to keep them under 170, which on this pitch was going to be a good chase,” Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference.

“I think we got a little bit carried away in the powerplay, thinking that we had to score too many runs there and try to be ultra positive,” he added.

“It was a case of trying to build partnerships but unfortunately we were five down coming out of the powerplay that was probably the end of the game,” he further stated.

The Rajasthan Royals batters were guilty of going for big shots instead of trying to settle in.

“They didn’t really get us out but we got ourselves out, it was pretty obvious to see. So, it was not about one individual it’s about the whole batting unit and we weren’t good enough today,” Sangakkara said.

The playoff qualification scenario has now become tricky for the Royals. They need to win their last league match and also depend on favourable results in other games.

“We’ll have to wait, have one game left, Unfortunately, now other results will have to go our way, we got to play for some pride and make sure we win it,” the coach said.

Rajasthan Royals will face Punjab Kings in their last league match at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Friday (May 19).

(With PTI Inputs)