PBKS vs RCB IPL 2024 Match Report: Virat Kohli’s batting and all-round RCB performance helped them beat Punjab Kings by 60 runs

Dharamshala: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 T20 cricket match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at HPCA Stadium, in Dharamshala, Thursday, May 9, 2024. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary) (PTI05_09_2024_000332B)

Punjab Kings found themselves on the back foot early in the contest, as they squandered numerous catching opportunities, including crucial chances to dismiss a player of the caliber of Virat Kohli. Consequently, as they began their chase, they were burdened with a daunting target, which seemed to weigh heavily on their batting lineup. The pressure to score runs forced them into a defensive mindset, inhibiting their ability to mount significant partnerships and challenge the target. RCB beat Punjab Kings by 60 runs and secured two points to keep their playoffs hopes alive.

The chase began with an early setback for Punjab Kings, as Prabhsimran Singh departed cheaply in the opening over. Despite some aggressive stroke play from Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw, Bairstow's dismissal for 27 by Ferguson provided a breakthrough for the opposition. By the end of the powerplay, Punjab Kings had reached 75/2. However, Rossouw's departure for 61, dismissed by Karn Sharma, further dented their chase, leaving them at 107/3 after nine overs. Subsequent quick dismissals of Jitesh Sharma (5) and Livingstone (0) further compounded their troubles, with Punjab Kings struggling at 132/5 after 12 overs.

A collision between Shashank Singh and Du Plessis resulted in Singh's injury, leading to his run-out on a brilliant direct throw from Virat Kohli. Ashutosh Sharma fell victim to an LBW decision by Siraj, followed by Siraj dismissing Harshal Patel for a duck, reducing Punjab Kings to 174/9. The innings concluded with Sam Curran's dismissal for 22, bowled by Ferguson. Siraj took the last wicket as Arshdeep got out. RCB convincingly beat PBKS by 60 runs.

First Innings

In an electrifying display of cricket, Royal Challengers Bangalore showcased remarkable shot-making prowess, while Punjab Kings were plagued by sloppy fielding and missed opportunities. RCB posted an imposing total of 241/6 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of stellar batting performances by Virat Kohli (92) and Rajat Patidar (55). Punjab now face the daunting task of chasing down 242 runs to secure crucial points and stay in contention for the playoffs.

Winning the toss, Punjab Kings elected to field first, hoping to restrict RCB's batting onslaught. However, their fielding woes became evident early on as they grassed five catches within the powerplay, including two chances to dismiss Virat Kohli, who survived on 0 and 10. Despite the early setbacks, RCB managed to reach 56/2 at the end of the powerplay, with Kohli and Patidar at the crease. The duo then orchestrated a blistering 50-run partnership in just 21 balls, primarily fueled by Patidar's aggressive stroke play. Patidar notched up his half-century in the same number of deliveries but fell victim to a delivery outside off stump, caught by Bairstow off Curran's bowling when on 55. Rain briefly interrupted play, causing a delay, but Kohli continued his sublime form, reaching his fifty off 32 balls once the match resumed. However, RCB lost wickets in the final overs, with Dinesh Karthik, Mahipal Lomror, and Camron Green departing, ultimately finishing with a formidable total of 241/6 in their allotted 20 overs.