Virat Kohli once again rose the tallest, but this time with an impressive strike-rate of 195, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a 60-run victory against Punjab Kings on Thursday. Kohli’s 47-ball 92 was the cornerstone of RCB’s innings as he starred in two partnerships — 72 off 32 balls with Rajat Patidar (55 off 23 balls) and 92 off 46 balls with Cameron Green (46 off 27 balls) to propel RCB to 241/7. Virat’s knock also settled the enraging debate around Virat’s strike-rate and intent. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels the fact that Kohli got out while trying to hit a six at 92, ends the debate around his intent in the shortest format of the game.
“Virat Kohli 92 for 47 ball gets out trying to hit a six in the 18th over. Strike rate and intent debate around the team man should stop now,” Kaif posted on X (formerly Twitter)
Virat Kohli 92 for 47 ball gets out trying to hit a six in the 18th over. Strike rate and intent debate around the team man should stop now.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 9, 2024
Kohli, who was dropped on 0 and 10, timed the ball nicely, used his feet and wrists to bring up his sixth IPL fifty this season. He reached his mark in 32 balls, before slamming another 40 in his next 15 balls. He cracked seven fours and six maximums.
Patidar, who was also given two lives, provided the early momentum as he slammed six maximums and three fours during his 23-ball 55.
After Patidar’s dismissal, Kohli and Green continued the onslaught to take RCB past the 200-mark. Green hit five fours and a six before being caught in the final ball as RCB scored 77 in last five overs.
Pacer Vidhwath Kaverappa (2/36) picked up two wickets in the powerplay on his IPL debut but his figures could have been much better had the fielders not dropped three catches off his bowling.
Kohli was dropped in the third ball but Kaverappa dismissed Faf du Plessis (9) and removed Will Jacks (12) but PBKS couldn’t create pressure as Sam Curran (1/50) and Harshal Patel (3/38) leaked runs.
Patel, who had dropped Patidar, conceded three boundaries in his first over as RCB scored 56 in the powerplay.
It started raining sixes thereafter as Kohli and Patidar slammed a maximum each to spoil Kaverappa’s bowling figures.
Patidar then creamed spinner Rahul Chahar for three mighty maximums before depositing Arshdeep and Sam Curran for two more sixes, the last one bringing up his fifty in 21 balls.
With Patidar on fire, RCB crossed 100 in the ninth over. Curran, however, got rid of Patidar in the 10th over, when rain halted play for a brief while.
After resumption, Kohli completed his fifty and hit Livingstone for two fours.
Green brought up the 150 with a four off Patel. Kohli then went berserk as he slog swept Livingstone for a six, while Curran was deposited over mid-wicket for a 94-metre maximum. He sent one over long-on for another maximum.
Dinesh Karthik (18) played a cameo before Patel claimed three wickets in last over.
With PTI inputs
Topics mentioned in this article
