IPL 2024: Reactions pour in from the cricket community as Virat Kohli’s superb knock of 77 guides RCB to a 4-wicket victory over PBKS
In the 6th match of IPL 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged victorious over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 25th. Both teams were playing their second match of the season, with PBKS having won their opening fixture while RCB suffered defeat against CSK in the IPL 17 opener.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Faf du Plessis elected to bowl first. PBKS posted a total of 176/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with notable contributions from Shikhar Dhawan (45), Jitesh Sharma (27), Shashank Singh (21* off 8 balls), and Prabhsimran Singh (25).
In response, Virat Kohli was given a reprieve in the first over but quickly found his rhythm by hitting Curran for four boundaries. Despite Faf du Plessis, Cameron Green, and Glenn Maxwell failing to make significant contributions, Kohli led the charge with support from Rajat Patidar (18) and Anuj Rawat (11).
Kohli showcased an impressive performance, scoring 77 runs off 49 balls, including 11 fours and 2 sixes. This marked his 51st IPL fifty and his 100th half-century in T20 cricket. However, Harshal Patel dismissed Kohli at a crucial juncture for RCB.
Following Kohli’s dismissal, Dinesh Karthik and substitute player Mahipal Lomror joined forces. Lomror contributed 17* runs from 8 balls, including 2 fours and 1 six, while Karthik played a blistering innings of 28* runs off just 10 balls, featuring 3 fours and 2 sixes. Their partnership helped RCB chase down the target in 19.2 overs, securing a 4-wicket victory.
Virat Kohli was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding innings of 77 runs.
Across social media platforms, the cricket community hailed Kohli for his match-winning performance and also commended Dinesh Karthik for his adeptness in finishing matches.
Love it @DineshKarthik .. What a finisher .. 👍 .. Good to see @RCBTweets get their first win .. #IPL2024live
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 25, 2024
Virat the chase master, goes in the zone, looked in rhythm, meant business. #kohli
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 25, 2024
