Royal Challengers Bangalore maintain unbeaten run at home

Royal Challengers Bangalore steered clear of nerve-wrecking moments en route to a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Although they experienced tense moments during the chase, the home team was in control.

A good length delivery from Shane Watson dismissed T Dilshan, but the damage had been done. Having posted 53, RCB needed just 65 off 80, with nine wickets in hand. After Virat Kohli’s exit, AB de Villiers didn’t last long either as he holed out to mid-off. Chris Gayle took it upon himself to anchor the innings. He was careful against Ajit Chandila who had snaffled Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.

Gayle and Saurabh Tiwary then stitched together a 59-run partnership, with the West Indian giant getting the final runs with a soaring six.

Earlier, Rajasthan Royals never quite got going. Shane Watson got out to a length delivery from Ravi Rampaul. Ajinkya Rahane, deceived by change of pace,  was caught at point. By the end of six overs, Rajasthan had lost two quick wickets with just 31 on board.

Stuart Binny contributed a whirlwind 33. Binny, however, mistimed Vinay Kumar’s short ball and was caught behind. Dravid did open up before falling to Murali Kartik.