Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis Slam Twin Fifties To Power RCB To 8-Wicket Win Over MI

02.04.2023 - 19:21 sports.ndtv.com

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis dished out a chasing master-class with a 148-run opening partnership as Royal Challengers Bangalore made a sensational start to their IPL campaign with a comprehensive eight-wicket demolition of Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Sent into bat, Tilak Varma smashed a scintillating 84 off 46 balls to single-handedly power MI to 171 for seven but Kohli and du Plessis made mockery of the total, slamming twin fifties as RCB romped home with as many as 22 balls to spare.

Chasing 172, Kohli (82 not out) and Du Plessis (73) produced an exhibition of sublime stroke-making, plundering 10 boundaries and as many maximums during their near flawless 89-ball stand.

After du Plessis perished in the 15th over, Kohli completed the job, hitting a four and six off Arshad Khan to knock off the winning runs to hand MI their 11th consecutive defeat inn their first match of the season.

cricket win Cameron Green Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Jason Behrendorff Faf Du Plessis India Bangalore

India and Royal Challengers Bangalore star batter Virat Kohli is one of the most energetic cricketers in world cricket at the moment. With Kohli, there's is never a dull moment, whether it's on-the-field or off-the-field. In a hilarious video shared on social media, Kohli took part in a blindfold challenge where he tried to identify his RCB teammates and Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri. The video was shared by Puma, RCB's official kit sponsor, on their Instagram handle with a caption: "Game recognises game".

IPL 2023: Ex-India Star Reveals Virat Kohli's 'Captaincy Masterstroke' In Win Over PBKS

With skipper Faf du Plessis unable to field due to a rib injury, Virat Kohli took over captaincy duty for Royal Challengers Bangalore during their game against Punjab Kings on Thursday. Kohli, who had stepped down from captaincy after IPL 2021, donned the captaincy hat for RCB, leading his team to a crucial 24-run win at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. RCB posted a total of 174/4 on the back of Faf (84) and Kohli's (59) 137-run partnership for the first wicket.

"Can't Waste Balls...": Australia Great Slams Virat Kohli, Faf Du Plessis For Poor Strike-Rate

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli hit half-centuries to set up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Faf hit 84 off 56 balls, while Kohli registered his 48th half-century, scoring 59 off 47 balls. While the pair added 137 runs for the first wicket in 16 overs, former Australia batter Matthew Hayden was not impressed with their scoring rate. Hayden criticised Faf and Kohli for wasting balls, saying that both players have to trust other batters.

Virat Kohli Messes Up Tough Catch Opportunity With RCB Teammate Also In The Mix

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) registered a moral boosting win in IPL 2023 on Thursday, beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 24 runs at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. With this win, RCB climbed into the top half of the points table and occupy the fifth spot. Chasing a target of 175, PBKS were bowled out for 150 in 18.2 overs, with Mohammed Siraj taking four wickets. Virat Kohli, who was RCB's stand-in captain for the match, registered his 48th half-century, made an absolute mess of a catch during PBKS' 175-run chase.

Points Table "Can't Define Your Team": Virat Kohli's Blunt Take After Win As RCB Stand-in Captain

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stand-in skipper Virat Kohli said that the target batters put on the board was enough and there was no need to take the game till the end against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium on Thursday. RCB won the match against PBKS by 24 runs. RCB opener Faf du Plessis's 84 off 56 balls and Virat Kohli's 59 off 47 helped the team score 174 which PBKS failed to chase, getting all not in 18.2 overs.

Watch: Virat Kohli's 'Fake Punch' Against Sam Curran After No Ball Creates Hilarious Moment During PBKS vs RCB Match

The 27th match of the Indian Premier League 2023 kicked off with Punjab Kings Stand-in skipper Sam Curran winning the toss and opting to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday. The duo of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis provided a superb start to the side by stitching a solid opening stand. They added 130 runs for the first wicket in 15 overs. On the first ball of the 16th over, Sam Curran bowled a beamer to du Plessis. While the bowler was quick to apologise for his mistake, Kohli jokingly jokingly pretended to punch him.