Published: Apr 20, 2025, 07:42 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 20, 2025, 07:42 PM (IST)
The stylish Devdutt Padikkal blossomed under the able guidance of peerless Virat Kohli as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) exacted a sweet revenge on Punjab Kings (PBKS) keeping their all-away-win record intact with an easy seven-wicket victory in an IPL match here on Sunday.
Padikkal (61 off 35 balls), who is quite an elegant batter when in form, scored his first IPL half-century in 22 innings while chases like these have been a cakewalk for someone of Kohli’s caliber as he played second fiddle for the better part of his innings. The latter remained unbeaten on 73 runs from 54 deliveries.
The duo added 103 in 11.3 overs by playing textbook cricketing strokes with minimal risk. It was Kohli, who started off with a signature pull off Arshdeep Singh where the rolling of wrists kept the ball down and a bowler’s back-drive off Xavier Bartlett to signal his intentions.
He got an able partner in Padikkal, who hit fours and sixes in equal measure. The best of the lot from Padikkal certainly was the lofted one off Marco Jansen where his bat swing was picture perfect.
Padikkal was finally gone trying to got for a fifth six off left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar’s bowling but by then RCB had all but pocketed the game.
Once he completed his 50 off 42 balls, Kohli slashed Arshdeep deliberately behind point for a boundary. But undoubtedly the best shot was an inside out straight six off Yuzvendra Chahal. Jitesh Sharma finished off the match with a wonderful six as RCB completed the 158-run target in 18.5 overs and moved to the third spot on the table with 10 points.
Earlier, RCB spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma bowled stifling spells to restrict PBKS to an under-par 157 for six in 20 overs.
Left-arm spinner Krunal (2/25) and leg-spinner Suyash (2/27) were at their crafty best after RCB opted to field first on a pitch that had a hint of slowness.
