IPL 2023: Batting first was important – Faf du Plessis after win against LSG

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis was delighted after they registered an 18-run win against Lucknow Super Giants at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Monday. The South African feels it was important to bat first after winning the toss.

RCB could only manage 126 runs on the board while batting first but du Plessis feels the opening partnership played a big role in the win. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis added 62 runs in the nine overs on a slowish Lucknow pitch where run-making was difficult.

Kohli and Faf added 42 runs in the Powerplay overs and the duo was able to set up a good foundation. However, the team’s middle order could not deliver the goods for the visitors.

Faf scored 44 runs from 40 balls whereas Kohli also contributed 31 runs from 30 balls before he was dismissed by Ravi Bishnoi.

On the other hand, RCB bowlers were right on the money from the get-go as Mohammed Siraj got the early wicket of dangerous Kyle Mayers. RCB got four wickets in the powerplay overs and conceded only 34 runs in the first six and it pegged LSG on the back foot.

Faf du Plessis said in the post-match presentation, “Opposite, complete opposites (the pitch here vs Chinnaswamy). We played really well in the first six overs. That’s when you can play the same way. To have a fifty partnership in the six overs was match changing. Batting first was important. Spinners was hard work. Even Mahipal got the ball to hold. If you can bowl the ball on a good area, it’s pretty hard to score.”

He added, “Would’ve liked 135 – in my mind that was a really good score. Before we went on the field, we said to the guys it’s a match-winning score. Felt if we get 2-3 in the powerplay, especially with KL not being there, it’s going to be difficult. Super happy for Karn. Just one of those guys who does the hard work all the time but doesn’t get the recognition. Great to have Hazlewood back. Nothing to the guys who’ve filled his shoes. But good to have him.”

RCB came up with a fine bowling performance as they skittled out LSG for only 108 runs. Karn Sharma and Josh Hazlewood scalped two wickets each for the visitors.

RCB will next take on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Saturday.