New Delhi: Keeping in mind Virat Kohli's sensational form in the ninth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were just one-win away from clinching their maiden title in 2016. They were up against David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad, who weren't the favourites to win the final match.


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Apart from Kohli, RCB batting line-up also had the likes of Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers – two maverick batsmen who have the reputation of changing the course of the match in a matter of few overs. Not to forget, Lokesh Rahul had made the best of the opportunity which came his way in the tournament, and it was this season which marked his rise as a formidable batsman for India in limited-overs cricket.


After opting to bat first, David Warner (69) and Shikhar Dhawan (28) provided a good opening partnership by adding 63 runs in 6.4 overs. Batting at number four, Yuvraj Singh played a crucial 23-ball 38 in the middle order.


By the end of 19 overs, SRH were 184/7 with Ben Cutting (16*) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0) at the crease. Cutting, who is known for his big-hitting skills, decided to unleash some lusty blows in the final over bowled by his compatriot Shane Watson. With three big sixes, Cutting shifted the momentum towards SRH by taking them to a formidable total of 208 runs.


If there was one batting line-up in the world which could have made a mockey of that total, it was RCB's.


Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle provided another superb start to their team by adding 114 runs in 10.3 overs. But once Barinder Sran got rid of the West Indian in the 11th over, RCB started losing wickets at regular intervals. Kohli's dismissal came in the 13th over, and tension began to increase in the RCB dressing room.


To make matters worse, Bipul Sharma dismissed AB de Villiers (5) while Mustafizur Rahman soon scalped the dangerous Shane Watson (11).


Towards the end, Banglaore fell short of the target by seven runs.


Hyderbad's victory once again stressed over the fact that even in the shortest format of the game, franchises should look to strengthen their squad with quality bowlers.