Josh Hazlewood has produced another masterful display in the IPL to rocket Royal Challengers Bengaluru back to the top of the league.<\/p>\n
The veteran Australian quick, who has been carefully managed through his campaign with champions RCB, showed why his team think he is “worth his weight in gold” as his brilliance earned him player-of-the-match honours in a five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The 35-year-old took 1-20, going at a remarkably miserly five-an-over, and also retired Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant hurt after rapping him on the point of the elbow as he tried hopelessly to knock the Aussie out of his ruthless stride.<\/p>\n
“It’s been a bit of a long run the last few months,” Hazlewood, who’s had to battle Achilles and hamstring woes, said .<\/p>\n
“I got the rust out last game against Rajasthan (when he got clouted by wonder boy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi), but felt much better today. It feels I’m in good shape.”<\/p>\n
Put in to bat, Lucknow struggled on a batting-friendly surface, crawling to 35-1 in the powerplay before being bundled out for 146.<\/p>\n
Bengaluru’s winning foundation had been laid by fast bowler Rasikh Dar, who compiled figures of 4-24, well supported by Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Krunal Pandya.<\/p>\n
Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the elbow by a rising delivery from Hazlewood, leaving the field in visible discomfort.<\/p>\n
Australian Mitchell Marsh offered resistance but was bowled for 40 by Krunal Pandya before Ayush Badoni (38) and Mukul Choudhary (39) provided late impetus.<\/p>\n