In the 18th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets. Spectacular batting performances from Anuj Rawat (66) and Virat Kohli (48) guided RCB over the finish line.
Faf du Plessis won the toss and opted to bowl first. Tremendous bowling performances from Harshal Patel, Akash Deep and Wanindu Hasaranga restricted Mumbai Indians to a moderate total of 151.
Royal Challengers Bangalore had a steady start to their run chase with Faf and Anuj Rawat stitching 50 runs for the first wicket. Rawat anchored the partnership as the RCB skipper was struggling to middle the ball. The Bangalore-based team faced their first dismissal when Plessis was caught in the ninth over. Virat Kohli was the new batsman at the crease, he was looking in fine touch as the veteran started pushing for singles and doubles. Rawat and Kohli had an 80-run stand for the second wicket, which almost sealed the game for the team. Within the span of seven deliveries, Bangalore lost Rawat and Kohli. Dinesh Karthik and Glenn Maxwell were the two new batters at the crease. Karthik hit a six off the second ball he faced to get the team closer to the target. Maxwell hit two consecutive boundaries to conclude the chase and attain two important points for the team.
For Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma (26) and Ishan Kishan (26) gave a good start in the powerplay. Suryakumar Yadav (68*) was the saving grace for the five-time IPL champions after the batting order collapsed in the middle overs.
Hasaranga and Patel pocketed two wickets each, while Akash Deep had one scalp to his name.
With this victory, Bangalore have acquired the third spot with six points. Rawat was adjudged Man of the Match for his 66 off 47 deliveries.
Scoreboard:
Mumbai Indians: 151/6, Overs 20, Surya Kumar Yadav 68*, Harshal Patel 2/23
Royal Challengers Bangalore: 152/3, Overs 18.3, Anuj Rawat 66, Jaydev Unadkat 1/30