Rajasthan Royals inch closer to knock-out round

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Despite captain Rahul Dravid’s unbeaten 75, Bangalore Royal Challengers put up a dismal show as it lost yet another game this time against League toppers Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The visitors could only reach 132 while chasing down a target of 198.

In Match 39 of the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL), Shane Warne’s Jaipur brigade routed the beleaguered Bangalore team by 65 runs on Saturday.

The Jaipur team continues to lead in the tournament as it secured an eighth victory and now have a total of 16 points inching closer to the knock-out round.

Rahul Dravid’s blistering effort of 75 runs from 36 balls did not save the fort for the Bangalore team. The former Indian captain’s score included six boundaries and six sixes, three of which he hit in the 17th over bowled by Yusuf Pathan.

When the scoreboard read five for the Royal Challengers in the third over, the team was already struggling with the loss of its top-order batsmen which included J Arunkumar, Virat Kohli and Misbah-ul-Haq. Jacques Kallis and Cameron White too returned to the pavilion after scoring 20 and 10 respectively.

All through the innings, no batsman could assist skipper Dravid from the other end.

Sohail Tanvir and Warne’s bowling attack proved disastrous for the Bangalore unit as they both claimed three wickets apiece. Munaf Patel took two whereas Siddharth Trivedi clinched one.

Earlier, Dravid had won the toss and elected to field. The Rajasthan Royals’ top-order batsmen put up a brilliant display ending the innings at 197 runs with the loss of only one wicket.

Graeme Smith won the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 75 from 49 balls which included eight boundaries and two sixes. Swapnil Asnodkar and Shane Watson chipped in with 50 (44) and 46 (28) respectively.

Anil Kumble took the sole of wicket of Asnodkar in the 13th over.

The Bangalore side is, in all probability, out of contention for a semi-final berth with another loss to its name. Rajasthan Royals will now take on Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20 and Bangalore Royal Challengers will need to play for pride when they clash with Delhi Daredevils on May 19.