Sharjah: After scoring a scintillating 73 not out to steer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a big win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an IPL match here on Monday, AB de Villiers said he surprised himself with his 33-ball knock.
[I am] very happy with the performance. Got a [two-ball] duck in the last game [against Chennai Super Kings]; a terrible feeling — very happy that I contributed. Surprised myself out there tonight.
Knew the wicket was quite tough to bat on. But I thought 145-150 wasn’t enough. So I looked to go further, and was surprised to get 195, said the South African after RCB’s 82-run win.
They [KKR] have got a really good bowling attack. The margins are small and you have to use every bit of energy. As Virat [Kohli] said there was a light in my eye; felt it in the bus itself, he disclosed.
On wicket-keeping, 36-year-old de Villiers said he enjoys the job as it gives him a good view.
Always enjoyed taking the gloves. Very excited about it, I must say. I do bounce off ideas with Virat.
As a ‘keeper you have a really good view of the pace of the game. Different skills completely. It depends. Have worked really hard with the gloves. Want to be the best I could, that’s always been my attitude, he said.
On winning the toss, RCB first posted 194 for two wickets in 20 overs, thanks to Aaron Finch’s 47 off 37 balls and Kohli 33 not out off 28 balls, besides de Villiers’ knock. They then restricted KKR for 112 for nine wickets in 20 overs to complete a one-sided win at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The win took RCB to the joint top position and although they have 10 points, the same as Mumbai Indians (+1.327) and Delhi Capitals (+1.038), Kohli’s team is placed third on net run rate (-0.116).
Now, all eight teams have played seven matches each — the halfway stage of the league phase of the 13th edition of IPL.
This pitch was drier. And the day was pleasant so we thought there would be no dew. Barring one superhuman, every batsman struggled on the pitch. The talk was around getting 165, but we got 194 you know exactly why. It was unbelievable,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation.
I thought I had a few balls under my belt, and I might start striking. He (de Villiers) just came in and struck the third ball, and said he felt good. You might see a lot of people do what is done in other games, but only AB can did what he did. It was a fabulous knock.
Kohli, who remained not out on 33 from 28 balls, said it was only thanks to the genius of de Villiers that his side got to 194 for 2.
I was happy we could string together a partnership (of 100 runs), and mine was the best seat to watch from.
Talking about the win, Kohli said, It is a tremendous win against a very strong side. Heading into a busy week for us, it was important to start off well. The bowling unit looks that much more potent with Chris Morris coming back.