Gujarat Lions, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders have now qualified for the playoffs. With just one spot remaining, both Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore will have to fight it out in the last league match to grab the final spot. If Challengers win they move to a 2nd spot in the league table for an added advantage. Whereas if Daredevils win they would be in the 4th spot.
Virat Kohli won the toss in the crucial match at Raipur and chose to field. His decision was proved right as S Aravind got the early breakthrough for the team. Karun Nair and Sam Billings got a start but couldn’t convert their starts. De Kock on the other end held on to the one end and scored a hard fought 50. In the end, Delhi Daredevils managed only 138 in 20 overs. Definitely knowing that they were (at least) 30 runs short.
Chris Morris gave DD a great start by dismissing Gayle early and Zaheer Khan dismissed before de Villiers could get his eye in. But the combination of Kohli and Rahul regrouped the innings to make sure that the team doesn’t mess up a small chase in a crucial match. But it was the hard fought 50 from Kohli that made the difference and took RCB in the playoffs.
Here’s a look at some of the interesting numbers and stats from this match –
Lone survivors – Delhi Daredevils have used over 30 players in this IPL 2016. Karun Nair, Sanju Samson, and Amit Mishra are the only 3 players who have represented Delhi Daredevils in all the 14 matches this season.
Purple Cap for Chahal – Yuzvendra Chahal now has the Purple Cap as he picked up 3 wickets in this match
900 in IPL season – Virat Kohli completes 900 runs in an IPL season, first ever play to score 900+ runs in an IPL season ever.
17th 50+ score – Kohli has now scored 17 50+ scores in T20 Cricket in the year 2016, he goes past Gayles tally of 16 50+ scores in 2015. And guess what we are still in May.
RCB finish 2nd – RCB have now finished 2nd in the league table. In the previous 5 seasons, the team finishing second has won the IPL title.
Teams for Playoffs – 4 teams that have qualified for the playoffs now are – Gujarat Lions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders
GL vs RCB – In the first qualifier now we will see the Lions take on the Challengers.
