DC vs RCB: The batting gifts it away
Medium paced googlies, traffic jams, and a spectator friendly arena linger in memory as RCB lose a match they shouldn't have against the Deccan Chargers in Nagpur.
RCB Team Strategy
For the first time in three games against the Chargers, Anil Kumble decided not to open the bowling. Dale Steyn saw no reason not to continue on the starts Anil had been providing previously, and promptly took three wickets in two overs. It seemed like it would be a repeat of the game against Rajasthan Royals, but it wasn't to be. The team think tank went in for a solid approach to the chase rather than an aggressive one, and it didn't pay off.
Key Performer
Harmeet Singh Bansal. I'm not sure if he was following Anil Kumble closely in the last four days but he suddenly seemed to have developed a back-of-the-hand googly. Two matches in a row he's conceded less than 6 runs an over, and he finished the game by bowling Robin in the 19th over. Man of the match well deserved.
Turning point
While Robin Uthappa's wicket was the final blow, scoring only 38 runs in the first six overs of the chase increased the pressure from which RCB never returned, in a big-boundary, slow pitch stadium.
Viewing experience
The best on tour so far. The newly built stadium has been constructed with some thought, and the cauldron-like setup ensuring the sound stays in; fan friendly seating arrangements and excellent training facilities outside the ground added to the charm of the complex. There's also an easy link from a superb air conditioned media centre to the dressing room for press conferences. Neat. The traffic issues on the highway leading to the stadium desperately need to be sorted out though.
Entertainment
Bollywood interspersed with some international hits. Plus, people dancing to telugu music in Nagpur! What the fans seemed to enjoy the most though, was a "We Will rock you" inspired thump for a Deccan Chargers war cry. Good fun.
If I could, I would have..
Loved to see Cameron White bring his form from training into the match and send some balls out of the park to finish the match. Soon, hopefully.
Grade Sheet
An inept batting performance to let victory out of sight in a spectator friendly, spanking new arena. C+
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