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A whirlwind knock from Quinton de Kock lights up Bengaluru as the Daredevils chase down a mammoth 192 against RCB, with the South African opener registering the first century of IPL 2016
The floodlights at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru bathed the packed stands in a vibrant glow, setting the stage for another night of IPL fireworks. On April 17th, 2016, a run-fest of the highest order unfolded, leaving the crowd in a state of exhilaration.
While both teams flexed their batting muscles, it was a blistering century from Quinton de Kock that stole the show, propelling the Delhi Daredevils to a thrilling seven-wicket victory over the star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The Challengers, led by the indomitable Virat Kohli (79 off 48 balls), opted to bat first and amassed a formidable total of 191 for 5 on the board. Kohli, in the midst of a purple patch, tore into the Daredevils bowling attack with his characteristic aggression. Finding able support from his ever-reliable partner, AB de Villiers (55), Kohli laid the foundation for a formidable total. The duo feasted on anything loose; their elegant strokeplay and audacious six-hitting kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace.
The Daredevils bowlers, despite conceding heavily in the powerplay overs, managed to strike vital blows in the middle phase. The early dismissal of the dangerous Chris Gayle by Zaheer Khan offered them a glimmer of hope.
However, the arrival of Quinton de Kock at the crease in the second innings quickly shifted the momentum in favour of the Daredevils. Unfazed by the required run rate and the loss of his opening partner, de Kock launched a brutal assault on the RCB bowling attack.
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Quinton De Kock hits a ton, leaves RCB stunned
He treated the off-side field with disdain, disdainfully dispatching deliveries to the boundary with exquisite timing and power. His fifty, which reached off a mere 19 balls, was a warning sign for RCB, a glimpse of the carnage that was to follow.
The introduction of spin offered little respite for RCB's bowlers. De Kock dealt with Yuzvendra Chahal and the seamers like Harshal Patel, and David Wiese with equal ease, his waggon-wheel batting a testament to his mastery over all areas of the ground. He launched into Chahal in particular, disdainfully lofting him over long-on for a six.
While de Kock was the aggressor, taking the attack to the bowlers, Karun Nair, playing against his home team, provided the perfect foil. The Karnataka batsman exhibited remarkable composure, anchoring the innings with a well-constructed 54. The duo stitched together a crucial 134-run partnership for the third wicket, effectively taking the game away from RCB.
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Quinton de Kock 108 helps Daredevils overhaul RCB's 191
Despite de Kock's heroics (108 off 48 balls), the dismissal of Sanju Samson in the middle overs threatened to derail the Daredevils' chase. However, Nair's composure and the experience of JP Duminy (10* off 7 balls) ensured they crossed the finish line with five balls to spare.
Earlier, the Daredevils' bowlers, after conceding heavily in the powerplay overs, clawed their way back into the match with some disciplined bowling in the death overs. Mohammed Shami and Chris Morris, who were expensive in their initial spells, showcased remarkable control in the death overs. Their stingy spells restricted RCB's late flourish, proving crucial in the final outcome.
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The ultimate score
The match at the Chinnaswamy was a treat for the fans, with a captivating display of power hitting and exquisite strokeplay. While Kohli and de Villiers continued their rich vein of form, it was the South African opener who stole the limelight with a dazzling century. His knock wasn't just about brute force; it was a display of controlled aggression, exceptional timing, and a wide range of strokes.
