Kohli, du Plessis star in RCB’s win over SRH

Hyderabad: Virat Kohli conjured up a magical hundred to steal the thunder from Heinrich Klaasen’s maiden IPL ton as Royal Challengers Bangalore stayed in contention for a play-off berth with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad here on Thursday.

Kohli (100) had other plans as he and du Plessis (71) helped RCB chase down the target with their magnificent ball-striking on way to a 172-run opening stand, the highest partnership of the season, as they romped home with four balls to spare.

Following the victory, RCB climbed to the fourth spot due to its better net run rate although it is tied with Mumbai Indians on 14 points. It will, however, has to win its next match to stay in the mix as Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants are at 15 points with one match to go.

Earlier, in-form Klaasen displayed his big-hitting prowess on way to his maiden IPL hundred as Sunrisers recovered from a poor start to post 186 for five.

The keeper-batter had six hits over the fence and eight across it during his scintillating 51-ball knock. He forged a 76-run partnership with Aiden Markram (18) before adding another 74 off 36 balls with Harry Brook (27 not out) to take SRH to a competitive total.

Already out of playoff race, SRH once again had a poor start after being asked to take first strike by RCB skipper Faf du Plessis.

As has been the case this season, Rahul Tripathi (15) and Abhishek Sharma (11) frittered away reasonably good starts, leaving Sunrisers at 28 for 2 in the fifth over.

SRH scored just 11 in three overs before the openers milked Wayne Parnell for 16 runs.

However, off-spinner Michael Bracewell struck twice, removing both the openers in his first three balls. While Abhishek hit straight to Lomror at cover, Tripathi found the fine leg fielder off his slog paddle sweep.

Klaasen hammered three fours off Shahbaz Ahmed to power the Sunrisers to 49 for 2 in the powerplay.

Klassen rocked back and pulled every time the ball was short as Bracewell and Harshal Patel was sent across the ropes, while Karn Sharma was dispatched for a 74-metre six.

Karn Sharma was then punished for bowling over-pitched with Klaasen depositing him into the stands. The South African completed his fifty in 24 balls.

While Klaasen was in full flow, Markram managed just 18 before his off stump was pegged back by Shahbaz while he looked for a reverse hit.

Back in the playing XI, Brook then picked up a four and six off Karn Sharma, who bled 21 runs, with Klaasen too lifting him over cover.

Brief scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 186/5 in 20 overs (H Klaasen 104) lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore 187/2 in 19.2 overs (V Kohli 100, F du Plessis 71) Virat Kohli conjured up a magical hundred to steal the thunder from Heinrich Klaasen’s maiden IPL ton as Royal Challengers Bangalore stayed in contention for a play-off berth with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad here on Thursday.

Kohli (100) had other plans as he and du Plessis (71) helped RCB chase down the target with their magnificent ball-striking on way to a 172-run opening stand, the highest partnership of the season, as they romped home with four balls to spare.

Following the victory, RCB climbed to the fourth spot due to its better net run rate although it is tied with Mumbai Indians on 14 points. It will, however, has to win its next match to stay in the mix as Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants are at 15 points with one match to go.

Earlier, in-form Klaasen displayed his big-hitting prowess on way to his maiden IPL hundred as Sunrisers recovered from a poor start to post 186 for five.

The keeper-batter had six hits over the fence and eight across it during his scintillating 51-ball knock. He forged a 76-run partnership with Aiden Markram (18) before adding another 74 off 36 balls with Harry Brook (27 not out) to take SRH to a competitive total.

Already out of playoff race, SRH once again had a poor start after being asked to take first strike by RCB skipper Faf du Plessis.

As has been the case this season, Rahul Tripathi (15) and Abhishek Sharma (11) frittered away reasonably good starts, leaving Sunrisers at 28 for 2 in the fifth over.

SRH scored just 11 in three overs before the openers milked Wayne Parnell for 16 runs.

However, off-spinner Michael Bracewell struck twice, removing both the openers in his first three balls. While Abhishek hit straight to Lomror at cover, Tripathi found the fine leg fielder off his slog paddle sweep.

Klaasen hammered three fours off Shahbaz Ahmed to power the Sunrisers to 49 for 2 in the powerplay.

Klassen rocked back and pulled every time the ball was short as Bracewell and Harshal Patel was sent across the ropes, while Karn Sharma was dispatched for a 74-metre six.

Karn Sharma was then punished for bowling over-pitched with Klaasen depositing him into the stands. The South African completed his fifty in 24 balls.

While Klaasen was in full flow, Markram managed just 18 before his off stump was pegged back by Shahbaz while he looked for a reverse hit.

Back in the playing XI, Brook then picked up a four and six off Karn Sharma, who bled 21 runs, with Klaasen too lifting him over cover.

Brief scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 186/5 in 20 overs (H Klaasen 104) lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore 187/2 in 19.2 overs (V Kohli 100, F du Plessis 71)