IPL 2021: Samson vows to fight until last match after RR lose to RCB

Dubai - RCB, chasing 150, reached home in just 17.1 overs

Yuzvendra Chahal was at his magical best as his spell helped Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday.

At 112 for two in the 13th over, the Royals looked set for a big total at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

But leg-spinner Chahal (4-0-18-2) and left-arm-spinner Shahbaz Ahmed (2-0-10-2) broke the back the Royals batting order, restricting them to 149/9.

In reply, the RCB, chasing their first IPL title, reached home in just 17.1 overs, thanks to a brilliant half-century from Glenn Maxwell (50 not out, 30 balls, 6 fours, 1 six).

Wicketkeeper-batsman Srikar Bharat (44, 35 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) also played his part well after RCB lost their openers — Virat Kohli (25) and Devdutt Padikkal (22).

The defeat dealt a big blow to Rajasthan Royals hopes of reaching the playoffs.

The former champions need to win their remaining three matches to have any chance of reaching the playoffs.

The Royals captain Samson was disappointed with the result.

“We got a great start, couldn’t capitalise. Middle order needs some confidence. We went in with intent, the wicket was two-paced and our batters kept mistiming it,” Samson said.

“To be honest, it’s been a hard one week for us, we need to put in a fight as a franchise. Happy with the effort and intent with the bowling. We don’t have anything to lose. That kind of mindset brings a lot of freedom, have seen some funny things happen. Need to keep on believing and fighting till the last match.”