Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed heaped praise on Dinesh Karthik after the duo guided their team to a thrilling four-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday.
RCB had their backs against the wall as they were 87-5 after 12.3 overs while chasing 170 runs.
However, Dinesh Karthik made the most of his experience as he catapulted his attack as soon as he joined forces with Shahbaz Ahmed. Karthik was able to time the ball to perfection and got boundaries early on in his innings to release the pressure.
The 14th over was bowled by veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and RCB was able to take 21 runs off it. Karthik made RR bowlers pay the price whenever they veered off their line and length and used the long handle to great effect.
As Karthik was able to hit the ground running, it released pressure from Shahbaz Ahmed’s shoulders. Ahmed also grew in confidence after watching Karthik strike the ball cleanly and the left-hander played a crucial knock of 45 runs off just 26 balls. Karthik, on the other hand, played a fine knock of unbeaten 44 off just 23 balls to help his team secure two important points.
The duo added 67 runs off just 32 balls before Shahbaz Ahmed was dismissed by Trent Boult. It was an imperative alliance between these two players as they got RCB close to the target.
“This is my third season and it’s been a while since I’ve been playing at this position. So now is the time to deliver. The situation was a little tough tonight because the momentum was with RR at one point. But the way DK bhai shifted the momentum our way, made it easy for me. And that momentum helped us close the game,” Shahbaz told reporters at the post-match virtual presser.
It was a fine performance from RCB and they will look to continue the good show in the upcoming matches. The Faf du Plessis-led team will next face Mumbai Indians at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Saturday.
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