IPL 2021: Maxwell, Bowlers Guide Bangalore To 7 Wicket Win Over Rajasthan

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Glenn Maxwell's fifty and disciplined bowling helped Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the 43rd match of IPL 2021 in Dubai. 

Chasing a target of 150, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal provided a solid start to the innings as the two added 48 in the first 32 balls. RCB ended up scoring 54 in the powerplay despite the loss of Padikkal. Kohli, too, got out in an unfortunate run-out after scoring 25 from 20 balls. 

However, post that it was all about KS Bharat and Maxwell taking the game away from RR one ball at a time. The two added 69 runs from 55 balls to completely close the door for the Royals to come back. Bharat scored 44 from 35 before Mustafizur Rahman got him out. 

However, Maxwell and AB de Villiers made the last 23 runs in seven balls to complete the chase in the 18th over itself. 

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, the Royals had a terrific start as openers Evin Lewis and Yashaswi Jaiswal smashed 56 inside the powerplay without losing any wicket. The two added 77 runs from the first 50 balls. Jaiswal hit 31 from 22 balls with help of three fours and two sixes, while Lewis smashed 58 from 37 balls, including five fours and three sixes. 

After the opening partnership, and 23-run stand for the second wicket between Sanju Samson and Lewis, RR batting collapsed. Yuzvendra Chahal got Lewis out, and Shahbaz Ahmed removed Samson and Rahut Tewatia in one over. 

Liam Livingstone soon followed them back to the pavilion. Although, Chris Morris attempted to finish the innings on a high but couldn't as he scored just 14 from 10. Harshal Patel picked three wickets in the last over to restrict 149/9. 

Brief Scorecard: 

Rajasthan Royals - 149/9 (Evin Lewis - 58; Harshal Patel - 3/34)
Royal Challengers Bangalore - 153/3 in 17.1 overs (Glenn Maxwell - 50*, KS Bharat - 44)