IPL 10 MI vs RCB: Bangalore sets respectable 163-run target

Mumbai: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was heading towards yet another batting collapse when Pawan Negi and Kedar Jadhav used their batting prowess to elevate their team to a respectable total of 162/7 against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium here on Monday.

Despite having a range of world-class batsmen like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Shane Watson, their top order has looked helpless in front of almost every bowling attack of the tournament. This was the fourth consecutive time in the tournament when their stalwarts failed to exploit the opposition bowlers.

This, however, was their best performance in the past four matches as recently, they have been wrapped up for 49 runs by Kolkata Knight Riders, followed by 134 run all out against Gujarat Lions and 96/9 in 20 overs against Rising Pune Supergiant.

AB de Villiers was the highest scorer for RCB as he scored 43 runs off 27 balls hitting 3 fours and 3 sixes, before getting out in an attempt to accelerate the scoring rate. Opener Mandeep Singh (20 off 14) was the first to depart followed by captain Kohli (20 off 14) and Travis Head (12 off 15).

Shane Watson once again disappointed with his batting as he was cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah while trying to play a good length delivery across the line.

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Wicket-keeper-batsman Kedar Jadhav tried his best to elevate the struggling RCB to a decent total. He hit 28 runs off 21 balls hitting 2 boundaries. Pawan Negi played the essential role in leading his team to a respectable total scoring 35 runs off 23 deliveries, with 1 four and 3 sixes. The duo added 54 runs for the sixth wicket in just 5.5 overs.

Krunal Pandya was once again impressive in his four-over spell as he took two important wickets (Head and de Villiers) conceding 34 runs. Mitchell McClenaghan emerged as the highest wicket-taker for MI as he managed three scalps giving away 34 runs in his four overs.

Karn Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah also bagged one wicket each giving away 23 and 33 runs in three and four overs, respectively.

Mumbai Indians will soon come back on the ground to chase down a handsome target of 163 runs.