IPL 2024: Rawat and Karthik shine as RCB post 173/6 against Mustafizur’s 4-29 blitz
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a strong comeback after stumbling in the middle, finishing with a total of 173/6 in 20 overs against Chennai Super Kings. Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik’s partnership of 95 runs for the sixth wicket proved crucial in RCB’s innings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
Skipper Faf du Plessis provided a brisk start, but RCB faced a setback with the early dismissals of key players like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell. Mustafizur Rahman’s brilliant bowling performance, taking 4-29 in four overs, put RCB in trouble at 78/5. However, Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik’s impressive batting display in the latter part of the innings helped RCB reach a competitive total.
Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli laid a foundation partnership, reaching 41 runs in the fifth over. But RCB lost quick wickets in the middle overs, with Rahman wreaking havoc. Despite the early struggles, Rawat’s explosive performance, including 25 runs off an over, and Karthik’s sensible batting steadied RCB’s innings.
Mustafizur Rahman’s variations and smart bowling choices troubled RCB’s batsmen, but Rawat and Karthik’s partnership turned the game around. With RCB setting a target of 173/6, the pressure is now on their bowling unit to restrict the Chennai Super Kings in their chase. Strong performances will be needed to secure a victory in their opening match of the IPL season.
