LSG vs RCB: “Harshal Patel Was Most Impressive, Hats Off To Him” - Sanjay Manjrekar Picks Pacer As RCB’s Standout Performer With Ball

Former India player Sanjay Manjrekar thought that albeit Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood guaranteed three wickets in the IPL 2022 Eliminator, it was Harshal Patel’s spell that had a major effect.

Bangalore crushed the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 14 runs in the IPL 2022 Eliminator at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. After Rajat Patidar’s ton (112* off 54) helped them to reach 207 for four batting first, Hazlewood (3/43) and Harshal (1/25) featured with the ball to confine LSG to 193 for six.

Sanjay Manjrekar Hails Harshal Patel’s Performance

Thinking about Bangalore’s bowling execution in the knockout contest, Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo:

“Josh Hazlewood picked up important wickets. When a bowler takes wickets, he has definitely made a contribution. But for me, Harshal Patel was most impressive. The one big obstacle for LSG in the chase was Harshal Patel.

He comes to bowl in the second half, so although Lucknow were in the chase, Harshal’s four overs were left. In such a key match to have such an economy rate (6.20), despite bowling the tough overs, hats off to him.”

Hazlewood excused Manan Vohra (19) in his first spell and got back to send KL Rahul (79) and Krunal Pandya (0) packing off sequential balls. Subsequent to surrendering just eight runs in his initial two overs, Harshal got back to bowl the eighteenth and the twentieth overs, offering just eight and nine runs, respectively. He additionally got the large scalp of Marcus Stoinis (9).

Wanindu Hasaranga Deserves Credit For Providing RCB Crucial Breakthrough: Sanjay Manjrekar

Manjrekar additionally applauded RCB leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for showing strength under a tense situation and taking care of business subsequent to being smacked for two sixes by Deepak Hooda. He named the wicket of the LSG batter as the defining moment in the chase. The 56-year-old stated:

“KL Rahul-Deepak Hooda partnership was very impressive. The way they were playing, they seemed in control. Lot of credit to Wanindu Hasaranga for the big turning point. He was hit for two sixes by Hooda but bowled on the same length and flighted one to clean up Hooda.

As long as Hooda was there, Rahul batting in third gear was okay. Once Hooda got out, things became very difficult.”

LSG captain Rahul and Hooda highlighted in a 96-run partnership for the third wicket. In the fifteenth over of the innings, Hooda pounded Hasaranga for two enormous sixes. However, the RCB leggie had his retribution as he bowled a little slower and clean bowled the LSG player as he endeavored another big shot. When Hooda was excused, Lucknow’s innings lost energy.

Also Read: LSG vs RCB: ‘I Want To Be In Those Situations’ – Harshal Patel On Bowling At The Death