Appanna, Dilshan star in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s win

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Royal Challengers Bangalore eased to an emphatic 46-run win over an out of sorts Rajasthan Royals.

Earlier many had questioned Royal Challenger Bangalore’s fate on the day when Chris Gayle does not get going.

And true to their word, the team reached a brilliant 189/3 against the Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here on Monday.

It was Tillakratne Dilshan who finally struck form to cruise to 76 (58b, 10x4, 1x6), while AB de Villiers partnered the Sri Lankan, slamming 59 (23b, 3x4, 5x6). The two shared an impressive 122-run stand.

Put in to bat, Bangalore’s move to not open with Gayle proved suicidal as their top order collapsed, leaving them on 67/3 in 11.4 overs.

Out of form Virat Kohli was given a chance to find himself among runs again, being promoted to the opener’s role. But the move only saw the Delhi lad done away by Pankaj Singh for a meagre 16 runs.

Dilshan, who opened the innings with Kohli, then put on 37 runs with Mayank Agarwal to steady the innings a little.

However, the innings were brought to a sudden halt after Agarwal (15) attempted a sweep off a Brad Hodge delivery, hitting it straight into Brad Hogg’s hands at deep square-leg.

Agarwal’s wicket meant the wait for Gayle had finally ended. But his dismissal for just four runs wheedled out a mixed reaction from the crowd.

This time it was Hogg who caught the West Indian plumb in front of the wicket. While most revelled in the dangerman being sent away without causing any damage, there were a few who lamented missing out on some fireworks.

But Dilshan held his own as even de Villiers gave the crowds what they were looking for — some big hits into the stands.

The duo cut loose once the visitors were past the 100-run mark and the run rate even touched nine an over towards the end of the innings.

It was offie Ajit Chandila who went for 14 runs in the 13 over as de Villiers slammed two consecutive sixes after stealing a couple of singles.

Dilshan followed suit and dazzled the spectators with some pleasing shots to complete his half century off 43 balls.

De Villiers, too, continued with the onslaught and reached his half century with a stylish scoop over short fine leg.