Virat Kohli’s under-pressure masterclass helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru defend their Indian Premier League title with a five-wicket defeat of Gujarat Titans RCB made light work of a target of 156, as they chased it down in just 18 overs.
Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 in 42 balls with 3 sixes and 9 boundaries, as he recorded his fastest IPL fifty.
Bengaluru raced to a commanding position in the match with some aggressive batting early on, as Venkatesh Iyer provided a solid foundation with 32 off just 16 balls.
Match Highlights
Virat Kohli was not out on 75 runs in 42 balls.
RCB won convincingly with two overs to spare after chasing down 156.
Venkatesh Iyer scored 32 from 16 balls.
Kohli posted the quickest IPL fifty of his career.
During the chase Tim David provided 24 runs.
Bengaluru Bowlers Restrict Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans earlier lost their star batters Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan early in the powerplay, collapsing to 27/2 as they struggled to build momentum.
Gujarat however, could only post 155/8 in their 20 overs despite Washington Sundar scoring an unbeaten 50. The disciplined Bangalore bowling attack never allowed Hyderabad to form any momentum and Rasikh Dar took three wickets while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood took two wickets each.
Key Bowling Performances
Rasikh Dar: 3 wickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2 wickets
Josh Hazlewood: 2 wickets
Gujarat Titans finished on 155/8
Washington Sundar topped the scoring with 50 not out
Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained the IPL title with a clinical all-round performance as they continued their winning momentum, which established them as one of the strongest teams in the Indian Premier League.