May 9th 2024.
On a Thursday evening in Dharamsala, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru put on an impressive display of batting against Punjab Kings in the IPL. Led by Virat Kohli's 92 runs off just 47 balls and Rajat Patidar's quick fifty, RCB set a formidable target of 241/7, despite facing a rain interruption during the match.
Punjab's fielders were their own worst enemies as they dropped multiple catches, giving Kohli and Patidar the opportunity to build a strong partnership of 72 runs in just 32 balls. Kohli, who was dropped twice on 0 and 10, made Punjab pay for their mistakes as he showed off his impeccable timing and skillful use of feet and wrists to score his sixth IPL fifty of the season.
Meanwhile, Patidar, who also received two lives, took advantage of the early momentum and smashed six sixes and three fours in his 23-ball knock of 55. Even after his dismissal, Kohli continued the onslaught with Cameron Green, adding another 92 runs in just 46 balls to take RCB's score beyond the 200-mark. Green also played his part, hitting five fours and a six before being caught on the final ball of the innings.
Pacer Vidhwath Kaverappa made an impressive IPL debut for RCB, picking up two wickets in the powerplay. However, his figures could have been even better if it weren't for the three catches dropped off his bowling by his own teammates. Kaverappa had Kohli's wicket in his grasp once again, but a stunning catch by Rilee Rossouw slipped through his fingers.
Despite the early wicket, PBKS couldn't build enough pressure as Sam Curran conceded 16 runs in an over, with Will Jacks doing most of the damage. Kohli continued to dominate the bowling attack, hitting a six off Kaverappa over long-off. But Kaverappa redeemed himself by taking Jacks' wicket, thanks to a catch by Harshal Patel, who also took his second wicket of the match.
However, Patel also had his fair share of struggles as he dropped Patidar and conceded three boundaries in his over. RCB finished the powerplay with a whopping score of 56 runs. And from there, it was a rain of sixes as Kohli and Patidar continued to hit maximums, with Patidar reaching his fifty in just 21 balls. The last six, off the bowling of Arshdeep and Sam Curran, sealed the deal for RCB and brought an end to an exciting and high-scoring match.
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