Virat Kohli's stellar half-century led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in an IPL match. Despite a challenging target of 177 runs on a tricky pitch, Kohli's composed 77-run innings guided RCB to victory with four balls to spare.
Dinesh Karthik's unbeaten 28 off 10 balls and Mahipal Lomror's quick 17 not out provided crucial support in the chase. Kohli's innings, though not without chances, showcased his class with sublime strokes and aggressive play. His commanding presence at the crease, coupled with Karthik's late onslaught, secured RCB's first win of the tournament.
Earlier, Punjab Kings posted 176/6 with Dhawan, Jitesh, and Prabhsimran leading the charge after RCB chose to bowl. Siraj and Maxwell claimed two wickets each. Despite a shaky start, Dhawan and Prabhsimran steadied with a 55-run partnership.
Dhawan's aggressive play ended at 45, followed by Prabhsimran's departure. Jitesh and Curran's partnership added crucial runs. However, Punjab fell short, lacking a substantial total to challenge RCB effectively.
Innings of Punjab Kings
Shikhar Dhawan smashes Siraj's first ball for a boundary to deep extra cover, causing displeasure for Maxwell due to misfielding.
Siraj dismisses Jonny Bairstow for 8 runs, PBKS 17/1 in 2.3 overs. RCB gains an early breakthrough.
After 5 overs, PBKS stand at 34/1, Dhawan is in fine form, accumulating 20 runs off 18 deliveries.
Dhawan starts Maxwell's over with a boundary, followed by Prabhsimran hitting a six but getting dismissed next ball. Exciting ninth over concludes.
Prabhsimran capitalises on a half-tracker from Glenn Maxwell, smashing it over the ropes for a six. Maxwell's delivery falls short.
Glenn Maxwell dismisses Prabhsimran Singh for 25 runs. PBKS are at 72/2 in 8.5 overs.
Alzarri Joseph claims his first wicket as an RCB bowler, dismissing Liam Livingstone for 17 runs.
RCB strikes twice in consecutive deliveries. Maxwell dismisses Dhawan for 45.
Jitesh Sharma smashes Mayank Dagar for consecutive sixes, impressive display of batting prowess from Sharma.
Yash Dayal claims the crucial wicket of Sam Curran, who scored 23 runs a significant breakthrough for RCB, showcasing Dayal's excellence.
Siraj secures his second wicket, dismissing Jitesh Sharma for 27 runs with Punjab Kings now six down, RCB exerts pressure on them.
Yash Dayal strikes, removing Sam Curran for 23 runs a significant wicket for RCB, showcasing Dayal's excellent performance.
Siraj claims his second wicket as Jitesh Sharma departs for 27 runs, with Punjab Kings losing their sixth wicket, RCB tightens their grip.
Shashank Singh flicks an overpitched delivery down the leg from Alzarri Joseph over deep backward square leg for a six.
Innings of Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Virat Kohli and Faf de Plessis open the chase for RCB against Punjab Kings' target of 177, with Sam Curran delivering the first over.
Rabada claims the crucial wicket of du Plessis for 3 runs as RCB pursue 177 against PBKS, with RCB at 26/1 in 2.4 overs.
Rabada secures his second wicket as Green departs for 3 runs, with RCB standing at 43/2 in 4.3 overs.
In the 10.3rd over, Harpreet Brar dismisses Rajat Patidar for 18 runs.
Glenn Maxwell departs for 3 runs, bowled by Brar in the 12.1st over as RCB pursue 177 against PBKS.
Harshal Patel dismisses Virat Kohli for 77 with a full delivery outside off, caught by Harpreet Brar.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 130/5, need 47 runs in 24 balls.
Review taken by Anuj Rawat for LBW, but umpire's call stands. Rawat is dismissed as wickets are hitting.
Mahipal Lomror's shot off Arshdeep Singh sails too high, landing in the long-on stands.
Dinesh Karthik's powerful strike down the ground off Harshal Patel impresses as Royal Challengers Bengaluru require 17 runs in 9 balls.
Karthik pulls Patel for a boundary at deep square leg. RCB needs 11 from 7 balls.
Karthik charges Arshdeep's short ball outside off, pulling it over fine leg for a boundary. RCB requires 4 from 5 balls.
Karthik's four run seals the win. RCB wins by 4 wickets at home.
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