Twitter Reacts As AB de Villiers Onslaught Helps RCB To A 7-Wicket Win Over RR

Another whirlwind knock by AB de Villiers [55 not-out off 22 balls] and some pathetic death bowling by Rajasthan Royals [RR] in the end, has helped Royal Challengers Bangalore [RCB] to notch up their sixth win of the Dream11 IPL.

Chasing 178, RCB once again lost their opening batsman, Aaron Finch, cheaply during the powerplay.

Finch, who had thumped Jofra Archer for two monstrous sixes, once again succumbed against spin. And, it was once again Shreyas Gopal who got the better of the Australian opener.

Post Finch’s dismissal, Devdutt Padikkal, and Virat Kohli milked RR’s bowling for the better part of the next 10 overs, stitching 79 runs between.

The duo, especially Virat Kohli, who had smashed 2 sixes and a four during his 32-ball 43, were looking prime for yet another match-winning partnership before both fell on successive deliveries to give another twist to the game.

While Padikkal (35 off 37 balls) holed out at long-on against Rahul Tewatia, Virat Kohli was brilliantly caught at the deep mid-wicket boundary by that man again, Tewatia.

With 74 needed off the last six overs, RCB needed a bit of AB de Villiers magic. And, they got exactly that from Mr. 360 as he smashed an unbeaten 22-ball 55.

AB smashed Archer, Unadkat, and Kartik for two sixes and a four in the next three overs to reduce the equation to 35 off 12 balls. AB started the 19th over by launching Jaydev Unadkat for back-to-back monstrous sixes over deep mid-wicket to bring the equation down to 23 of 10.

Unadkat didn’t learn from his mistakes as he followed it up with a half-tracker and ABD went on to smoke it for yet another six. Gurkeerat Singh Mann joined the party to smash Unadkat for four past covers.

Unadkat gave 25 runs in his over, meaning that RCB needed just 10 to win the game, which AB de Villiers rightfully achieved with another audacious six off Archer.

Robin Uthappa’s belligerence at the top and Steve Smith’s half-century propelled RR to 6-177 against RCB

We once again saw a new opening pair walking out to bat for the Rajasthan Royals, with Robin Uthappa swapping with Jos Buttler.

Uthappa displayed his vintage form in the batting powerplay as he took the attack to the likes of Washington Sundar and Isuru Udana.

Ben Stokes struggled to get going throughout his knock of 19-ball 15, and he was eventually dismissed while trying to pull a Chris Morris (4-26) delivery, only to give AB de Villiers an easy catch.

Yuzvendra Chahal (2-34) knocked over Robin Uthappa (41 off 22 balls) and Sanju Samson (9 off 6 balls) within a space of two deliveries in the 8th over to reduce RR to 3-69.

Skipper Steve Smith finally regained his form as he stroked his third half-century of the season, and it was his partnerships with Jos Buttler (24 off 25 balls) and Rahul Tewatia, who smashed an 11-ball 19, that RR was able to post 6-177 in 20 overs.

Chris Morris was once again the pick of RCB bowlers. Besides claiming Stokes in the opening spell, Morris returned to dismiss both Steve Smith (57 off 36 balls), Jos Buttler, and then Jofra Archer to end up with figures of 4-26 in 4 overs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to RCB’s win over RR:

Wow! Just wow no more words can explain what I just witnessed! @<!---->A<!---->B<!---->d<!---->e<!---->V<!---->i<!---->l<!---->l<!---->i<!---->e<!---->r<!---->s<!---->1<!---->7 unbelievable once again! Bringing the @<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B<!---->T<!---->w<!---->e<!---->e<!---->t<!---->s Bangalore from the dead against @<!---->r<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->s<!---->t<!---->h<!---->a<!---->n<!---->r<!---->o<!---->y<!---->a<!---->l<!---->s! Too freaking good #<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B<!---->v<!---->s<!---->R<!---->R #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->i<!---->n<!---->U<!---->A<!---->E

— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

#<!---->A<!---->B<!---->D<!---->e<!---->v<!---->i<!---->l<!---->l<!---->i<!---->e<!---->r<!---->s is absolutely ridiculous!!! How good is he to watch! The man can do anything!! Amazing! #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L #<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B<!---->v<!---->s<!---->R<!---->R

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Supreme @<!---->A<!---->B<!---->d<!---->e<!---->V<!---->i<!---->l<!---->l<!---->i<!---->e<!---->r<!---->s<!---->1<!---->7 what a knock!! Amazing batting display from ABD you beauty 22 balls 55 not out ????? what a man!! @<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B<!---->T<!---->w<!---->e<!---->e<!---->t<!---->s @<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0 #<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B

— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

AB showing faith in Gurkeerat in the final overs shows leadership. Putting faith in younger team mates is vital for success in the later stages of a tournament. Team first. #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0 #<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B<!---->v<!---->R<!---->R

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

AB de Villiers today:

55 runs
22 balls
1 four
6 sixes

With two overs to go, #<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B needed 35 runs to win. They won with two balls to spare.

World class.#<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->1<!---->4<!---->h<!---->0<!---->Z<!---->Z<!---->O<!---->m<!---->U<!---->c

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

AB “de”molishes #<!---->r<!---->r . Clean crisp hitting. #<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B

— RK (@RK_sports) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Most 50s scored off 25 or fewer balls (IPL)

12 D Warner/ AB de Villiers *
7 C Gayle/ K Pollard
6 V Sehwag#<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Brilliant win for @<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B<!---->T<!---->w<!---->e<!---->e<!---->t<!---->s and he has proved yet again why he is the best. @<!---->A<!---->B<!---->d<!---->e<!---->V<!---->i<!---->l<!---->l<!---->i<!---->e<!---->r<!---->s<!---->1<!---->7 please don’t push him back down the order! Smith will ask himself why Jaydev for the 19th? Why not Archer giving the cushion???

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

If I see AB de Villiers on strike, I bowl Archer. Let alone the fact that the alternate is Umadkat. Wtf Smith. #<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B

— Manya (@CSKian716) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

I thought that 19th over is the most important over while defending. 20th over while bowling first. Well well….. #<!---->J<!---->o<!---->f<!---->r<!---->a #<!---->U<!---->n<!---->a<!---->d<!---->k<!---->a<!---->t #<!---->R<!---->R #<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Rahul Tewatia needs an entry on red carpet from next match. Always keeps the limelight on him. #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Tewatia will go big in the next auction. He is turning out to be a game-changer – batting, bowling, fielding.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Tewatia has had two match winning knocks with the bat. This could be a match winning catch! p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->l<!---->m<!---->o<!---->i<!---->Z<!---->D<!---->K<!---->s<!---->6<!---->s

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Rahul Tewatia – Catches in #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Taken – 6
Dropped – 1

Of the 16 fielders to have attempted 5+ chances this year, only three have been better.

S Curran: 5/5 (100%)
F du Plessis: 8/8 (100%)
K Pollard: 7/8 (87.5%)
R Tewatia: 6/7 (85.7%)
H Pandya: 5/6 (83.3%)#<!---->R<!---->R #<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Balls per Boundary in middle overs (7-15) in #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

6.5 #<!---->M<!---->I
6.5 #<!---->K<!---->X<!---->I<!---->P
7.2 DC
7.7 #<!---->C<!---->S<!---->K
8.0 #<!---->K<!---->K<!---->R
8.5 #<!---->R<!---->R
8.6 #<!---->S<!---->R<!---->H
12.5 RCB

Two boundaries (2 X 6s) by RCB today is the fewest by a team in this phase this season.#<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Kohli averages 85.0 in the middle overs this year, but has scored a boundary only once in 20 deliveries – which is below par compared to the overall average of 8 balls per boundary this IPL. #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0 #<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B #<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->y<!---->B<!---->y<!---->Q<!---->b<!---->d<!---->Z<!---->g<!---->j<!---->q

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

RR should open with Buttler to optimize their batting order. He strikes at 157.4 as opener and averages 45. No one strikes faster for RR in the Powerplay. Way better than his SR of 141 and average of 25 when he walks in to bat after the Powerplay in the IPL. #<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B #<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B<!---->v<!---->s<!---->R<!---->R

— Shiva J (@Shiva_cricinfo) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Finch playing for new franchise next year. Again.

— Sahil (@Imsahil_11) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

By god aron finch looks a tailender one ball, peak gayle next ball.

— Andy. (@WeBleedBlue007) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

‘F’ in finch stands for fraud

— Ish ✨ (@ishita15xx) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Most sixes in death overs (16-20) in #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

13 Rahul Tewatia
12 AB de Villiers/ K Pollard
9 E Morgan
8 J Archer#<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B #<!---->R<!---->R #<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->2<!---->0<!---->G<!---->2<!---->X<!---->M<!---->t<!---->K<!---->B<!---->g

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Buttler not keeping either. Okay then.

— Static_357 (@Static_a357) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Opening combination for Rajasthan Royals in #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0:

Jaiswal – Smith
Buttler – Smith
Buttler – Jaiswal
Stokes – Buttler
Stokes – Uthappa

5 combinations in 9 matches.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Opening combination for Rajasthan Royals in #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0:

Jaiswal – Smith
Buttler – Smith
Buttler – Jaiswal
Stokes – Buttler
Stokes – Uthappa

5 combinations in 9 matches.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Jos Buttler called Vernon Philander a knobhead in a test series where Jos averaged like 10 ?????? what a clown

— Sabeeha’s cricket blog ? (@SabeehaMajid) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

So now Buttler goes down the order! There is a new pair everyday. Maybe they want to use Buttler in the role he plays in odi cricket; as a powerful finisher. Can’t help thinking Buttler and Stokes can swap positions….

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Robin uthappa today as an opener:#<!---->R<!---->R<!---->v<!---->s<!---->R<!---->C<!---->B p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->r<!---->j<!---->e<!---->K<!---->r<!---->q<!---->a<!---->r<!---->E<!---->w

— Sajal Singh (@snoopy__004) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

1st pic : when Robin Uthappa says he want to open then smith :
2nd pic : After 8 matches and lossing most of them now smith : p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->8<!---->d<!---->N<!---->T<!---->G<!---->G<!---->J<!---->G<!---->o<!---->V

— RAHUL JAIN (@rahuljaiinn) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Robin Uthappa wearing KKR’s baniyan under his RR jersey. #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Steve Smith after seeing Robin Uthappa perform well as an opener today…#<!---->C<!---->h<!---->h<!---->a<!---->l<!---->a<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->O<!---->n<!---->P<!---->r<!---->i<!---->m<!---->e p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->6<!---->r<!---->q<!---->l<!---->6<!---->0<!---->D<!---->R<!---->j<!---->b

— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

4500 runs and counting for @<!---->r<!---->o<!---->b<!---->b<!---->i<!---->e<!---->u<!---->t<!---->h<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->a in IPL ??#<!---->D<!---->r<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->1<!---->1<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->F<!---->o<!---->i<!---->8<!---->s<!---->F<!---->D<!---->s<!---->7<!---->x

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->1<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0