IPL 2020: RCB vs DC Review – Stoinis, Rabada propel Delhi to top spot
It was all Delhi Capitals in Dubai on Monday as they defeated the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 19th match of IPL 2020. With a whopping 59-run win, the Capitals have taken the top spot on the points table.
After losing the toss, Delhi started well in the Powerplay thanks to Prithvi Shaw’s scintillating cameo. Then Marcus Stoinis took control of the proceedings as the Capitals’ top order started collapsing. Stoinis slammed an unbeaten 53 off 26 balls while Rishabh Pant supported him to propel DC to 196/4 in their 20 overs.
In response, RCB kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Only their captain Virat Kohli looked good in the middle for his 43. But there was no support from the other end thanks to Kagiso Rabada who picked 4/24 to leave RCB gasping. Even the spinners Axar Patel and Ravi Ashwin took wickets to restrict the opposition to just 137 and win the game by a massive 59 runs.
Turning Points
Stoinis’ knock – DC had lost three quick wickets and at 90/3 in the 12th over, things looked grim. But an animated chat with coach Ricky Ponting in the strategic time-out spurred Stoinis up and he literally smacked every bowler out of the ground. RCB bowlers dished out full toss deliveries much to the delight of the batsman, who took full advantage to turn the game on its head. His 53-run knock turned out to be game-changing eventually.
AB de Villiers’s wicket – AB de Villiers came out to bat with a lot of runs still to score. He had the ability to score quick runs and could’ve changed the game in a few overs. But Anrich Nortje ran in fast and bowled with menace to beat him in pace and get the crucial wicket. In a way, his wicket effectively killed RCB’s chase.
Top performers
Records/Personal Milestones
- Virat Kohli completed 9000 T20 runs, becoming the 2nd fastest batsman to reach the milestone.
- Kagiso Rabada has now picked at least one wicket in his last 19 matches
Way Ahead
RCB will get some time to rest now as they are scheduled to MS Dhoni-led CSK in Dubai on October 10 while DC face the Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah on Friday.
