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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik justified his 'finisher' tag and helped his franchise chase down the target against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 (Monday). With the match evenly poised towards the end and the pressure mounting on the RCB, Karthik displayed nerves of steel and played an explosive cameo to drag RCB toward the promised land. With a perfect blend of orthodox and unconventional shots in his 10-ball unbeaten stay at the crease, Karthik scored 28 runs with the help of three fours and two sixes.
Chasing a target of 177 runs, RCB finished the game with four balls to spare and as many wickets remaining. Karthik smashed the match-winning boundary which sparked animated celebrations in the RCB dressing room.
What did Karthik say after the game?
After winning the game for his franchise, Karthik revealed that he is getting the rust off his game while lauding Mahipal Lomror for taking the pressure off him.
"Little bit (dusting off the rustiness). I wasn't completely in control but getting there. We needed that (knock from Lomror), Anuj batted well last time but when Mahipal walked out.. he took the pressure off me. He (Harshal) is a wily customer, he has the dipping slower one and if you missed that you are a goner, I had to wait to play the scoop. I didn't say anything, he (Lomror) was calm and when he hit that six, I just told him to keep a still head. If I start bowling then you can know what the situation would be for RCB," Karthik told broadcasters, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
RCB gets off the mark
It was a crucial victory for the RCB as they look to make another bid to end their IPL trophy drought. The Red Army lost its opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign and returned home with dejection. The franchise needed to win their second game, especially because it was in their home ground. Faf du Plessis' men took care of business at home and would now look to carry the momentum in their next game.
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