Royal Challengers Bangalore’s decision to stack their line-up with explosive batsmen paid dividends on Thursday as they secured an eight-wicket victory over Delhi Daredevils.
Yuvraj Singh’s half century came from just 29 balls and helped RCB secure an emphatic victory with more than three overs to spare.
Delhi had found themselves struggling when reduced to 35-4 but a superb partnership between JP Duminy and Ross Taylor saw them post a competitive total of 145.
Duminy top scored with a brilliant 67 from just 48 balls, while Taylor finished on 43 not out but Delhi’s total never looked enough against a Banglore side stacked with impressive top order batsmen.
Parthiv Patel made the perfect start as he fired 37 from 28 balls, but it was the most expensive player in the IPL who did the damage for the Challengers.
Yuvraj was signed for some INR 14 Crores (Dh 8.2 million) and his incredible knock of 52 included five sixes and three fours.
Yuvraj was ably supported by captain Virat Kohli who ended up just one run short of a half century as RCB made the perfect start to the tournament in the UAE.
Both teams will be next be in action in Dubai on April 19 as Kohli’s side clash with defending champions Mumbai Indians, while the Daredevils will take on Kolkata Knight Riders later that evening.
