Tim David and Axar Patel (Agency Image)

A split-second decision from Tim David turned into a defining moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost their grip against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.The turning point came in the 15.1 over when Tim David, facing Delhi skipper Axar Patel, heaved one towards deep mid-wicket. A single was available, but he turned it down, leaving Jitesh Sharma stranded at the non-striker’s end.What followed proved costly. On the very next ball, Axar took pace off and pushed it wider. David had to stretch for it and never looked in control, managing only a leading edge that lobbed towards short third man, where T Natarajan completed a simple catch.David walked back for 26 off 17 balls, and the momentum shifted instantly. His dismissal, coming right after turning down a run, summed up RCB’s stuttering finish.Earlier, Delhi Capitals produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 175 for 8. Opting to bowl first, Axar led from the front with two wickets, supported well by Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi, who also picked up two each.RCB’s innings was built around Phil Salt, who scored a fluent 63 off 38 balls. He added 52 runs with Virat Kohli for the opening stand and later stitched a 47-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal. Despite finishing the Powerplay strongly at 59 for 1, the hosts failed to maintain momentum.

From 99 for 2 at the halfway mark, RCB managed only 76 runs in the final 10 overs. The middle order faltered, with Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma unable to accelerate, leaving the total well below par on a slightly slow surface.