IPL 2023: Batting first was crucial, says Faf du Plessis after RCB’s 18-run win vs LSG in Lucknow

By India Today Sports Desk: Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis talked about it was essential to bat first in opposition to Lucknow Super Giants on the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. RCB beat LSG by 18 runs to maneuver as a lot as fifth place inside the IPL 2023 components desk.

Speaking on the post-match presentation, Du Plessis talked about his partnership with Virat Kohli was a match-changing stand. The two RCB openers stitched a 62-run partnership for the opening wicket which helped RCB put up 126 for 9 on the scoreboard.

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“Chinnaswamy and this are 2 complete opposites. I thought we played really well in the first 6 overs batting first, I think it was a match changing partnership,” talked about Du Plessis.

He went on to say that batting first was crucial on this ground, together with that whereas moving into for the second innings, he knowledgeable his crew that 126 runs was a match-winning score given the character of the wicket. RCB bowled out LSG for 108 runs and gained the game by 18 runs.

“I think batting first here was important. In my mind 135 was a really good score. Myself and DK were saying 135 would be a really good score but once you come in on the pitch it gets very hard to score. Before we went on to the field, we said to the guys that we feel it’s a match-winning score because the nature of the wicket,” Du Plessis added.

The South African went on to heap reward on pacer Josh Hazlewood, saying he brings calmness and composure to their bowling assault, whereas moreover praising spinner Karn Sharma, saying he was unbelievable in opposition to LSG. Karn took two wickets and gave aways merely 20 runs, whereas Hazlewood chipped in with two wickets whereas freely giving merely 15 runs.

“I am super happy for Karn. He’s just one of those guys who does all the hard work all the time. Doesn’t always get the recognition. Unbelievable from him tonight and then Hazlewood, its great to have him back in the side. Someone like him brings so much calmness and composure to the bowling attack,” talked about Du Plessis.

Having defeated LSG in Lucknow, RCB will flip their focus in course of Delhi Capitals, with the two sides set to battle on the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on May 6.