Maxwell told: A final six-ball from KS Bharat led the Bangalore Royal Challengers to a Siebenwicket win against Delhi Capitals in a thrilling finale to their Indian Premier League match, which turned in that direction in Dubai on Friday.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Glenn Maxwell told me I can finish it off, says KS Bharat
- Playing extra pace wasn’t a surprising element, says Bharat
- RCB will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eliminator on Monday
A few days ago, Glenn Maxwell showered KS Bharat with praise, calling him a true first-class hitter. The wicketkeeper’s batsman has played a perfect role at No. 3 for players like AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell at the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
In fact, he went on to say that his role is to provide a stable base as a No. 3 hitter for finalists like Glenn Maxwell.
On Friday, the RCB No.3 not only provided the platform for Maxwell but also ended the game with a final six ball that helped the RCB to a wicked seven win over Delhi Capitals in a thrilling finale.
Bharat broke an undefeated 78 balls of 52, while Glenn Maxwell shot 51 on 33 deliveries as RCB chased a 165 goal with the feats of the former.
It took Maxwell 15 to win after the final and started with a cap, but pacemaker Avesh Khan came back with some excellent deliveries, including a Yorker.
Bharat had the last laugh, however, when he smoked Khan‘s entire litter over Long-on for a six to seal the game in favor of his team.
“We and Maxi (Maxwell) were talking about, what are the areas we can target. He said just watch the ball and put your bat on it. That’s exactly what I tried to do,” Bharat told reporters after the match.
“In the last 3 balls, I asked Maxwell should we take a single, he said no go ahead, you can finish it off. It gave me a lot of confidence. I was focusing on just one ball rather than thinking about too many things. I kept it simple, luckily, pulled it off for my team,” he added.
The lucrative 111-race, a fourth-prize partnership between Bharat and Maxwell gave RCB a rather unexpected victory against Delhi Capitals, which finished at the top of the league table despite losing their last game. Bharat also formed a crucial 49-run partnership with Ab de Villiers for the third wicket when RCB fell 6-for-2.
Villiers‘ AB (26) made a brief threat, hitting two fours and a huge six off Ashwin, before shoving Axar Patel straight into Shreyas Iyer.
“Communication in the centre with AB was pretty simple. He told me to just watch the ball and play accordingly. We were just thinking of building a partnership which will give a good platform for the guys coming up next,” said Bharat.
Wicket-keeper Bharat, who was pushed up and down by RCB’s group of experts. Underscored his courage with this hit and often showed off his great skills as well.
The first half-century of IPL for Bharat before the playoffs. Would probably bode well for the Bangalore team, who attempted multiple shots at the crucial No. 3.
The energetic wicket-keeper batsman was even hit in the helmet. By Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje tested his speed and jumping power. Playing with two of the fastest bowlers in the tournament. Bharat said this was not a surprising element as he enjoys dealing with pacemakers.
“Playing pace wasn’t a surprising element. I have played enough cricket for India A. And I am also part of Team India’s set-up, where we have to face the best bowlers of our country in the nets.
“I love the ball coming to the bat. It gives me a chance to use the pace and place it, instead of trying to hit it hard. It was really exciting to face Rabada and Nortje,” he said.
Virat Kohli-led RCB finished third overall with 18 points. And will face the Kolkata Knight Riders (fourth place) in the Eliminator on Monday.
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