Devon Conway top-scoring with 56 off 37 balls wasn’t enough to a secure a victory for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL against the Royal Challengers Bangalore overnight (NZ time).
Chasing 174, Conway’s side was only able to make 160-8, in part to Bangalore fast bowler Harshal Patel’s disciplined bowling at the death, claiming 3-35.
It was Conway’s second consecutive half-century for the Super Kings, after he blasted 85 not out off 55 balls against Kane Williamson’s Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this week.
The New Zealander and Ruturaj Gaikwad (28) provided Chennai a solid opening partnership of 54. But Chennai lost wickets in quick succession after the batting powerplay with Gaikwad holing out in the deep off Shahbaz Ahmed and Glenn Maxwell striking in his first two overs.
Conway – whose knock featured six fours and two sixes – and Moeen Ali (34) revived the chase, but Bangalore came back strongly as Wanindu Hasaranga had Conway caught at deep square leg off a mistimed sweep shot and the Patel sealed the game with his three quick wickets.
“Hopefully we haven’t left it too late, and we can peak right towards finals and find a way into that top four and do some damage in the finals.”
