Match 58 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) saw the home side Punjab Kings end their playoff hopes as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruised to a 60-run victory in a must-win encounter in Dharamsala on May 9.
Yea, he doesn’t drop those! Makes it look so easy 🤌
pic.twitter.com/hKlo1twPL6---Advertisement---— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 9, 2024
Kohli’s 92 Powered RCB To 241/7
Choosing to bat first, RCB captain Faf du Plessis couldn’t replicate his explosive opening partnership with Virat Kohli in the powerplay, departing after scoring just 9 runs. However, Kohli remained strong at the crease.
Will Jacks, who played a pivotal role in RCB’s recent victory, only contributed 12 runs this time. Rajat Patidar stepped up, forging a robust 76-run partnership with Kohli, propelling the team from 43/2 to 119/3 within the first 10 overs.
Punjab Kings’ fielding performance was lackluster, as they dropped several catches that could have saved crucial runs. Despite being dropped by Ashutosh Sharma at 0 and 10 respectively, Kohli capitalized on his chances, scoring a brilliant 92 and extending his lead in the race for the orange cap.
Debutant Vidwath Kaverappa made an impression by taking 2 early wickets, dismissing both Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks. His delivery to Kohli also posed a threat, but the skipper managed to survive and capitalize on the opportunity.
Kohli and Cameron Green built another substantial partnership of 92 runs, guiding RCB to a competitive total of 241/7 in their allotted 20 overs as they aim to maintain their momentum in the tournament.
PBKS Out Of Playoff Race
In reply, it wasn’t a pleasant start to the chase for Punjab as they lost opener Prabhsimran Singh in the first over at just 6 runs courtesy of a Swapnil Singh delivery. It was Prabh’s opening partner Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw who started to put the pressure back on RCB with a 65-run partnership but failed to extend it further into the game.
Rossouw’s 27-ball 61 did give PBKS a reasonable total to chase format the 9-over mark. However, he remained the top scorer for the hosts on the night as 2 quick wickets each by spinners Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh helped RCB restrict them to just 181 in the end.
Pacers Mohd Siraj and Lockie Ferguson also took 3 and 2 wickets respectively in what was a brilliant bowling display by the visitors.
The win meant that RCB had their playoff hopes alive while Sam Curran and Co. will only be playing for pride as they became the 2nd side to be mathematically out of the playoff spots.
Also Read: IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Post 241/7 In Must Win Tie vs PBKS
