NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli capitalised on three chances, including one when he was on zero, to score an explosive 47-ball 92. His performance was crucial in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's 60-run victory over the Punjab Kings in a must-win match at the scenic Dharamsala stadium on Thursday.
In addition to his dynamic batting, Virat excelled in the field too.
During Punjab Kings' chase of 242, he sprinted in from deep midwicket, retrieved the ball, and delivered a direct hit at the bowler's end, resulting in Shashank Singh's run-out.
1/9:Virat Kohli keeps Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL playoffs hunt
ANI
2/9:Kohli's Dominant Innings
Virat Kohli slammed 92 to set up a 60-run win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru over Punjab Kings and keep their slim playoff hopes alive in the Indian Premier League.PTI
3/9:Two crucial partnerships for RCB
Kohli, 35, rode his luck and shared two crucial partnerships with Rajat Patidar (55) and Cameron Green (46) as Bengaluru scored a big 241/7 at the Dharamsala stadium.PTI
4/9:Punjab's Fielding Woes
Punjab paid the price for some sloppy fielding, dropping Kohli twice on zero and 10 off debutant seamer Vidwath Kaverappa.PTI
5/9:Rossouw's Promising Start
<p>Rilee Rossouw gave Punjab a promising start, putting on 65 runs for the second wicket with Jonny Bairstow (27).</p>PTI
6/9:Bengaluru's Bowling Success
RCB bowler Swapnil Singh, who took two wickets, said the victory meant a lot to the side. "The ball was swinging initially, so I looked to swing it. Pressure is less when everybody is (scoring) runs," he said.PTI
7/9:Kohli's Strategic Approach
<p>Kohli said he is always aiming to improve his game. "I brought out the slog-sweep to the spinners. I know I can hit it as I've done it in the past," he said.</p>PTI
8/9:Punjab's Disappointing Campaign
Punjab skipper Sam Curran said it had been a "frustrating and disappointing" end to their campaign.PTI
9/9:Bengaluru's Winning Streak
<p>Bengaluru, who registered their fourth win in a row, saw their innings being interrupted briefly by a spell of rain and hailstorm.</p>PTIVirat's exceptional play provided RCB with a vital wicket as Shashank fell short by inches.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised Virat's efforts, calling them 'umdaa' (fantastic) in a video shared on social media.
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RCB's victory marked their fourth consecutive win and fifth overall, giving them 10 points and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
The team must win their next two home matches against the Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings to stay in contention for the playoffs.
