Royal Challengers Bangalore registered a comprehensive 24-run win against Punjab Kings in their last league game in Mohali to record their third victory in six games.
The visiting side scored 174 runs in the first innings courtesy off half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis on a sluggish surface. In reply, Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc in the powerplay and finished with a four-wicket haul to power the team over the line.
Former India pacer Irfan Pathan credited the role of Mohammed Siraj in helping the Royal Challengers record their three wins. The right-arm pacer is now the second-leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 scalps at an average of 13.4 and an economy rate of 6.7.
"Mohammad Siraj has bowled excellently in the powerplay this season for RCB. He's really making a difference for them. There is a big and positive difference in his bowling compared to last year," he said in a conversation with Star Sports.
"That is why his responsibility has increased being the premier seamer in the team," he further added.
The Bangalore-based franchise is back to their own den as they take on the Rajasthan Royals in an afternoon encounter on Sunday, April 23.