Patidar stars as Bangalore eliminate Lucknow

Royal Challengers Bangalore rode on Rajat Patidar's sensational century to win against Lucknow Super Giants by 14 runs in the Eliminator match of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata tonight.

Lucknow put up a brave fight but could not reach close to the total of Bangalore, who had posted a massive 207 for four in 20 overs after being sent in to bat first.

In at number three, Bangalore's Patidar smashed seven sixes and ten boundaries on the way to a 54-ball 112, during which he stitched a 66-run stand with opener Virat Kohli before manifesting the match-deciding 92-run stand off 41 balls with Dinesh Kartik, who remained unbeaten on 37 off 23 balls after coming in to bat at number six.  

Dinesh Kartik and Rajat Patidar during their game-changing partnership. Photo: IPL official page

In reply, Lucknow could reach as far as 193 for six in full quota of 20 overs despite two blistering knocks from skipper KL Rahul (79) and Deepak Hooda (45). The duo had compiled a 96-run stand off 61 balls for the third-wicket and hit as many as nine sixes.

KL Rahul in action. Photo: IPL official page

RCB's Josh Hazlewood and Harshal Patel were the pick of the bowlers in terms of wickets (3) and runs conceded (25 in four overs), respectively.  

Bangalore are now set to lock horns with Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier,  a virtual semifinal, tomorrow, and the winner of which will face Gujarat Titans in the IPL final on May 29.