PBKS vs RCB: "Boys have shown character to turn it around" - Faf du Plessis after RCB hammer PBKS

Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) played against the Sam Curran-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 58th match of the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) on Thursday, May 9 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

RCB were invited to bat first in the match and they did a great job. Virat Kohli was the chief architect behind the success of the team as he smoked 92 runs and powered his team to a total of 241/7. Rajat Patidar (55) and Cameron Green (46) also played brilliant innings in the match.

Defending the target, Rilee Rossouw, Jonny Bairstow, and Shashank Singh smashed the RCB bowlers and played aggressive cricket. However, the bowlers made a terrific comeback in the match and picked wickets at regular intervals to bundle out PBKS for 181. Mohammed Siraj picked three wickets while Swapnil Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Karn Sharma picked two wickets each.

At the post-match presentation ceremony, Faf du Plessis looked delighted and he said:

"That was a good game. We have scored 200-plus in the last 5-6 games. We have had good conversations, we were making the same mistakes over and over again. 

Faf du Plessis further said that they needed to be aggressive with the bat and pick regular wickets with the ball in which they were successful. Faf du Plessis stated:

"Needed aggression with the bat. We just spoke about taking wickets. We have 6-7 options in the bowling department. You need some form in your side. With a bit of luck is also required. We had a few guys looking for wickets and runs at the start of the tournament."

Faf du Plessis showered rich praise on his players, saying that they have shown great character. He elaborated:

"The boys have shown character to turn it around. Everyone has chipped in with runs and the bowlers are taking wickets. For us, it's important to focus on ourselves. We want to stick to the style of play that we want to do, if we do that it'll prove we are a really good team."

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Position In Indian Premier League 2024 Standings 

Along with Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been a team that struggled from the very beginning of the Indian Premier League 2024 and going on a 6-match losing streak from March 29 to April 21 made the matter worse for them. 

However, things started getting better for the franchise after their match against Kolkata Knight Riders as they went on a 3-match winning streak and played an amazing brand of cricket. To register a hat-trick of victories, the Faf du Plessis & Co. beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 35 runs and then Gujarat Titans by 9 wickets as well as 4 wickets. 

Ahead of their match against the Punjab Kings, the Benguluru-based franchise was at the seventh spot on the IPL 2024 points table with 8 points in 11 matches and a net run rate of -0.049. After the conclusion of the match on May 9, RCB retained the same spot and kept their playoffs hopes alive.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be next seen in action when they lock horns with the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 12 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.