IPL 2023: Disappointed – Faf du Plessis after narrow one-wicket loss against LSG

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis was disappointed after they lost against Lucknow Super Giants by one wicket at their home ground of M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Monday. It was a thrilling contest between these two teams as the match went down to the wire.

One run was needed off the final ball when Harshal Patel decided to run-out (mankad) Ravi Bishnoi at the non-striker’s end. However, Patel missed wiping the bails off and didn’t attempt the same for the second time despite Bishnoi once again leaving his crease early.

Avesh Khan and Bishnoi ran a bye after Dinesh Karthik fumbled behind the stumps to complete a dramatic win. Meanwhile, RCB posted a par score of 212-2 after fifties from Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell.

Kohli and Faf gave a rollicking start to the team, racing to 56-0 after PowerPlay overs with the former doing the lion share of the scoring. Kohli scored 61 runs from 44 balls whereas Faf and Glenn Maxwell added 115 runs for the second wicket.

The RCB skipper scored 79 runs from 46 balls whereas Maxwell smashed 29-ball 59. On the other hand, LSG got off to a torrid start as they were reduced to 23-3 after four overs. However, Marcus Stoinis scored 65 runs from only 30 balls to help his team get back into the contest.

Subsequently, Nicholas Pooran smashed a 15-ball fifty, the fastest of the ongoing season. The left-hander scored 19-ball 62 to help his team get in touching distance of the target.

Faf du Plessis said in the post-match presentation, “Disappointed. They played well through the middle. One ball one run. We backed ourselves to get a run-out. Just looking at the wicket, from 7-14 it was quite slower. The last five overs it started skidding on. Really good for some good cricketing shots. Stoinis and Pooran played everything off the middle. They took on one of our main bowler (Harshal) in his first couple of overs. It is a difficult place to bowl at the death. You have to be on top of your game. I was struggling for most part of my innings. Was happy to give strike back to Kohli, sometimes you have to scratch. When I started hitting a few of the middle I got my flow back.”

Royal Challengers Bangalore will next take on Delhi Capitals at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday.