IPL 2021: Mohammed Siraj achieves unique half-century for Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore continued their magnificent run in IPL 2021 by thrashing Rajasthan Royals by 10 wickets. It was a clinical display by Virat Kohli’s team. The bowling, led by Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel, took three wickets apiece. Kyle Jamieson, Washington Sundar and Kane Richardson chipped in with one wicket apiece as Rajasthan Royals managed just 177 in 20 overs. Siraj was the pick of the bowlers with 3/27. In response, Devdutt Padikkal hit a century and Virat Kohli hit a brilliant 72 as Royal Challengers Bangalore achieved a 10-wicket thrashing.

In the course of the match, Siraj achieved a special milestone. The Hyderabad pacer became the first bowler to bowl 50 dot ball in IPL 2021. In four matches, Siraj has bowled 15 overs and conceded just 91 runs at an economy rate of 6.06. His average and strike-rate is 18 and it has shown his brilliance. Siraj has 53 dot balls in IPL 2021, which is the most by any bowler. Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar are close behind with 49 and 47 dot ball respectively. 

Excellent bowling

Siraj has been on the ultimate high ever since making his debut in the Tests against Australia. In Brisbane, he picked up 5/73 as India achieved a series win with a historic victory at Brisbane. Siraj has carried the form in the England series and in the four IPL games so far. 

Kohli hailed the bowling as professional, especially the performance in the death overs. “We don’t have standout names (in bowling) but we have effective ones. We have depth in our bowling. They are professionals. We have taken the most wickets in the death overs this season so far and it’s something we take pride in,” Kohli said. 

With Siraj chipping with many dot balls and Harshal Patel emerging as the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2021, Royal Challengers Bangalore are on the right track for a maiden title.