Glenn Maxwell scored a sparkling half century as Royal Challengers Bangalore registered a comprehensive seven wicket win over Rajasthan Royals at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
After being asked to bat first by RCB skipper Virat Kohli, Rajasthan Royals opening pair of Evin Lewis and Yashasvi Jaiswal got their side off to a terrific start. The duo added 77 runs for the opening stand before Dan Christian drew first blood by dismissing the latter caught at mid off by Mohammed Siraj.
Debutant George Garton then claimed his maiden wicket by dismissing the dangerous Lewis for a 37 ball-58.
Mahipal Lomror who was promoted up the order fell cheaply as he was stumped by Bharat off Yuzvendra Chahal.
Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed claimed wickets of RR skipper Sanju Samson (19) and Rahul Tewatia (2) leaving their side in trouble at 117/5.
Harshal Patel bagged three wickets in the final over to restrict Rajasthan to 149/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing 150, RCB pair of Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal added 48 runs for the first wicket. Padikkal who was given a reprieve early on, was finally dismissed bowled by Mustafizur Rahman for 22.
Skipper Kohli fell to brilliant direct hit from Riyan Parag at backward point.
The pair of Srikar Bharat and all rounder Maxwell put on 69 runs for third wicket before the former mistimed a Mustafizur delivery to substitute Anuj Rawat at fine leg.
AB de Villiers scored the winning runs by sweeping Parag to the deep square leg boundary, as Royal Challengers overhauled the target of 150 with 17 balls to spare.
Maxwell remained unbeaten on 50. His knock came off 30 balls with 6 fours and a solitary six.
Yuzvendra Chahal was declared the Man of the Match.