Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson believes that Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) consistent batting during the powerplay played a huge role in their nine-wicket win at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The Rajat Patidar-led RCB defeated RR by nine wickets to register their fourth win of the ongoing tournament.
Openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt smashed individual fifties that helped the Bengaluru-based franchise to chase down 174 runs in 17.3 overs.
"Absolutely (asked if they felt 170 was a handy score). I think after losing the toss on that kind of a slowish wicket, batting first under the sun for the first 10 overs is tough in day games. We knew they would come hard at us and I think they won the game in the powerplay" said Samson during post match presentation.
Samson blamed poor fielding for the reason behind their loss against RCB. The hosts dropped Virat Kohli and Phil Salt's catch during the powerplay and both batters scored half-centuries while chasing. Kohli played an unbeaten match-winning knock of 62 runs, and Phil Salt smashed 65 runs in 33 balls.
"Catches win matches. They also dropped our catches and we also dropped their catches (smiles). No doubt we have to improve. Credit to RCB. Ball did come on better in the second innings. They were really good. We have been having some really good chats about improving and coming back strong. We have to leave the thoughts behind and come back positive for the next game" Samson added.
After defeating RR by nine wickets, RCB are currently on third in the points table tally and RR are currently on seventh. RR will now face Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 16 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. On the other hand, RCB will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 18 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.