Cricket fanatics witnessed a blockbuster double-header on April 18 for the first time in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. Runs came in both matches, in Chennai and Mumbai, and batters of all four teams provided some astonishing fireworks.
In the afternoon encounter, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs. This was Bangalore’s fourth win in a row against Kolkata. The result helped Virat Kohli & co. cement their position at the top of the league table. They are also the only unbeaten side of the edition.
That's that from Match No.10.@RCBTweets win by 38 runs to register their third win of the season so far. This is the first time in IPL that the #RCB have won their first 3 games.#VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/Ei90mgn2iD
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2021
The second game was between two sides led by two of the finest Indian wicketkeeper-batters in modern-day cricket, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Unfortunately, Rahul, on his 29th birthday, ended on the losing side despite his side posting 195. Shikhar Dhawan (92 in 49 balls) took the game away from Punjab. ‘Gabbar’ seemed in magnificent touch throughout his stay.
A return to winning ways for @DelhiCapitals! 👏👏
Second win for @RishabhPant17 & Co. as they beat Punjab Kings by 6⃣ wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. 👍👍 #VIVOIPL #DCvPBKS
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/wbefi7u3wk pic.twitter.com/Gyb7QUfmUP
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2021
Here’s what they said on social media.
Virender Sehwag was in awe after Dhawan’s blistering innings. He termed it a ‘Champion knock.’
Shikhar Dhawan is a classic example of how to maintain a good strike rate without taking undue risks. A great learning example for many players who get bogged down. This 92 Was a Champion knock @SDhawan25 , showing how it is done.#DCvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/882DZ19Dwr
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 18, 2021
Aakash Chopra advised Punjab’s think tank to change their strategy after another ordinary show from BBL stars Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith. Neither man has been able to pick up wickets in regular intervals. They didn’t make an impact despite having the cushion of a target of 195.
#PBKS broke their bank to get Jhy Richardson and Meredith….the idea was to lean on them in these high-scoring games. Unfortunately, they are yet to make their presence felt. Might as well play Henriques for Meredith and attempt crossing 210 every time. #IPL2021
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 18, 2021
Harsha Bhogle expressed his desire to see AB de Villiers back in South African colours after watching him slam 76 in just 34 balls, laced with nine boundaries and three sixes. De Villiers retired from all three formats in 2018, but rumours of a comeback for the upcoming T20 World Cup have surfaced.
Surely South Africa, you have to find a way to play @ABdeVilliers17 in the #T20WorldCup. Surely.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 18, 2021
Venkatesh Prasad trolled the Punjab franchise after their former player Glenn Maxwell won the Orange Cap during the second innings against Kolkata. Maxwell currently plays for Bangalore. However, during Match 11, Dhawan surpassed Maxwell’s run tally to own the Orange Cap.
Punjab looking at Maxwell wearing the orange cap.#RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/VsaPcstg1R
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) April 18, 2021
Rahul’s strike rate has always been a cause of concern in recent editions. He has now achieved a milestone he is unlikely to be proud of.
Most 50+ scores in defeats in IPL since 2018:
10 – KL Rahul
7 – Manish Pandey
7 – Kane Williamson
6 – Warner
6 – ABD
6 – Pant#IPL2021 #DCvPBKS— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) April 18, 2021