IPL 2020: Match 39 – RCB vs KKR – Who Said What

The 39th match of the Indian Premier League saw action between in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB thrashed KKR by eight wickets and 39 balls to spare. While walking up the field with willow first, KKR saw the utter collapse of their order to post the lowest target of mere 84 runs in IPL 2020 so far. KKR skipper Eoin Morgan (30 off 34) remained the highest run-getter from the team.

Mohammed Siraj was named as the player of the match as he baffled batsmen with two back to back maidens. Lockie Ferguson added 19 runs from his bat towards the end of their innings. The bowlers of RCB dominated the game like heroes. Mohammed Siraj made Kolkata batters a victim of his poisonous spell as he conceded just eight runs off his spell and picked three wickets. Yuzvendra Chahal also displayed his magic as he maintained an economy of 3.80 to pick two wickets.

Hunting mere 85 runs, Devdutt Padikkal (25 off 17) and Aaron Finch (16 off 21) established a decent stand. Gurkeerat Singh Mann added 21* runs from his end to get RCB over the line. Lockie Ferguson got one scalp to his name by conceding just 17 runs off four overs.

Losing skipper, Eoin Morgan said

Being 4/5 down early on isn’t the position we wanted to be in. RCB bowled well and probably looking at the conditions, we should have bowled first. We will learn our lessons and move in in the next game. It was a question of backing the young Indian guys who showed glimpses of talent and potential. They (RCB bowlers) managed to exploit anything that was on offer and given the nature of the tournament every time you have to be at your best against every team. Hopefully they (Narine and Russell) will be available round the corner and we know when guys of that calibre, particularly all-rounders are available, things will be different. Hopefully they will be available soon.

Winning Skipper, Virat Kohli said

It was a late call to be honest (to give Siraj the new ball). Was thinking of giving Washy. I obviously have thought about the things we can do on the field. Management have brought in a proper culure. We have plan A, we have plan B, and people are executing it that’s why it’s looking good. Don’t think lot of people have belief in RCB. Guys in the changeroom do and that’s all that matters. Can have the best players in the world but if you don;’t have the belief it’s no good. Morris is loving the responsibility. He likes to be in a leadership role in the team. Even against Kings, he tried to york Gayle. His energy is amazing. A great, great addition to our squad. Last year he had a tough year. Lot of people went hard at him. But he worked hard. He’s seeing the result now and we want him to continue.

Player of the match, Mohammed Siraj said

First I want to thank Allah for my performance. Then thanks to Virat for giving me the new ball. I have been practising a lot with the new ball. We hadn’t planned that I will open but when we went out, Virat bhai said Miyan ready ho jao. [Sir, get ready.]. The ball to Rana was very good. Executed what we planned.