Hyderabad, April 25 (UNI) In a high-octane encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 41st match of IPL 2024 on Thursday, Rajat Patidar showcased an explosive batting display at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
After opting to bat first, RCB's innings received a significant boost from Patidar's aggressive batting. The right-hander was in sublime touch, smashing a scintillating 50 runs off a mere 20 balls. His innings were adorned with 2 boundaries and an impressive 5 sixes, putting SRH bowlers under immense pressure.
Together with Virat Kohli, Patidar formed a threatening partnership that was steering RCB towards a formidable total. However, their promising stand was cut short by SRH's Jaydev Unadkat in the 13th over. Unadkat's dismissal of Patidar broke the crucial partnership and provided SRH with a much-needed breakthrough.
Despite Patidar's dismissal, RCB managed to post a challenging total of 206/7 in their 20 overs, setting up an intriguing contest for the Sunrisers Hyderabad batsmen.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Faf Du Plessis opted to bat first. The opening pair of Virat (51) and Du Plessis got off to a solid start, adding 48 runs for the first wicket. However, Thangarasu Natarajan provided SRH with their first breakthrough by dismissing Du Plessis for 25 runs off 12 balls, which included three fours and a six.
In the seventh over, Mayank Markandey struck for SRH, removing Will Jacks (6). Virat and Patidar then built a strong partnership. Despite losing Mahipal Lomror (7) and Dinesh Karthik (11) cheaply, Cameron Green's unbeaten 37 off 20 balls and Swapnil Singh's unbeaten 12 off 8 balls propelled RCB to a formidable total.
Unadkat was the pick of the bowlers for SRH, claiming three wickets, while Natarajan, Pat Cummins, and Mayank Markandey chipped in with two, one, and one wicket respectively.
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