Bangalore, October 15: Bangalore Royal Challengers got off to a flying start before Andrew McDonald’s four-wicket haul grounded them, forcing the hosts to settle for a below-par 127 for six against Victoria Bushrangers in the League B opener of the Champions League Twenty20 tournament here tonight.
Manish Pandey (39 off 28 balls) grabbed the Victorian attack by the scruff of its neck before McDonald (4/21) changed the complexion of the match with four quick strikes and it needed another propping-up act from Rahul Dravid (33 off 35 balls) for the home team to reach a competitive total.
The dryness of the track made both captains, Anil Kumble and Cameron White, craving to bat first but it was the Bangalore captain whose wish was granted in the end.
With Manish Pandey (39 off 28 balls), one of the two replacements along with Dale Steyn, making his presence count, Kumble had the satisfaction of seeing his team getting off to a rollicking start.
First Indian to slam a century in the IPL, Pandey’s nonchalant aggression was in full display as he hit Shane Harwood for back-to-back fours before extending the same harsh treatment to Peter Siddle.
Taking a cue from Pandey, in-form Robin Uthappa (13) greeted Clint McKay with successive fours before the dragging the Australian’s fourth delivery onto his stumps as the blooming opening stand wilted for 39 in 4.4 overs.
—Agencies