IPL 2022 | RCB vs DC | Karthik, Maxwell put Bangalore back on hunt

The 27th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 ended in favour of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as they triumphed over Delhi Capitals (DC) by 16 runs at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Asked to bat first, Faf du Plessis and Co. were off to a nightmarish start, losing their openers in the powerplay. An inswing delivery became the cause of Anuj Rawat's dismissal, while the skipper, Faf Du Plessis, extended his poor form and played a loose shot to hand Khaleel Ahmed his first and only wicket of the match.

Virat Kohli also seemed in a hurry, which led to his undoing as he walked to the dressing room, courtesy of a run-out, which is his second in the ongoing IPL season. 

With RCB in deep trouble, Glenn Maxwell took it upon himself to stage a comeback. Maxwell led the charge and slaughtered every bowler coming his way. While Maxwell took some time early in his innings, he brought the house down against Kuldeep Yadav, smashing 23 runs in his first over.

At the individual score of 55, Maxwell looked to gather another boundary but got caught as Kuldeep came back well and took his sweet revenge.

Shahbaz Ahmed, as usual, continued his excellent show in the tournament, holding on to one end. However, Dinesh Karthik's thunder sent shockwaves to the DC bowlers, especially Mustafizur Rahman, who was at the receiving end of the wicket-keeper's wrath.

RCB, at one stage, were closing in on a total of 170 runs, but DK's blitz gave them a mighty push and helped to reach 189 runs. 

Delhi Capitals enjoyed a flyer provided by David Warner. The Australian did not waste time opening up his arms and gave DC a great start in the run-chase. 

In the blink of an eye, the Capitals crossed 50 runs but soon were crippled down by the opposition bowling attack. Wanindu Hasranga was coming after a bad game but regained his Midas touch, dismissing Warner for 66 runs.

Mitchell Marsh, who returned from an injury, looked patchy through the innings and scored a 24-ball 14.

While it was now upon Rishabh Pant to get them past the finishing line, a blinder by Virat Kohli got the better of him. Josh Hazelwood also fared brilliantly with the ball and brought his experience to the fire, hitting DC's middle-order with crucial blows.

Axar Patel stayed unbeaten until the end, but it was Kuldeep Yadav on the other side of the crease, with just a miracle saving Delhi. The chasing side failed to get to the designated target allowing RCB to snap up the win by 18 runs.

Delhi Capitals have slumped to the eighth spot on the points table with two wins in five matches, while the Royal Challengers Bangalore are sitting at the third position, having won four out of six games.

Brief scores

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 189/5 (20)

Dinesh Karthik 66 (34), Glenn Maxwell 55 (34);

Shardul Thakur 27/1 (4), Axar Patel 29/1 (4)

Delhi Capitals: 173/7

David Warner 66 (38), Rishabh Pant 34 (17);

Josh Hazelwood 29/3 (4), Mohammed Siraj 31/2 (4)

Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 16 runs.