Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in a high-scoring thriller at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday evening. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal helped the Rajat Patidar-led side pull off a spectacular win by successfully chasing a daunting target of 206 in 18.5 overs.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar sent GT to bat first on a pitch that has witnessed several high-scoring encounters this season.
GT batters, including Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, built a formidable partnership and seized control of the game during the initial power play. By the 15th over, GT had reached a commanding 155/1. RCB’s bowling unit struggled to contain the flow of runs.
Josh Hazlewood provided a much-needed breakthrough for RCB by dismissing Shubman Gill after a brilliant hundred in the 16th over, bringing Washington Sundar to the crease.
Chasing 206, RCB suffered an early jolt as GT pacer Mohammed Siraj dismissed opener Jacob Bethell, reducing RCB to 26/1 in three overs.
However, the rest of RCB’s top order rose to the occasion. Virat Kohli scored a 44-ball 81, setting the tone with a classy half-century, while Devdutt Padikkal provided excellent support with a quick 55 off 27 balls.
The duo kept the scoreboard ticking, ensuring the required run rate never spiralled out of control. Together, they added a 115-run stand in just 59 balls.
Despite a brief struggle in the middle overs, RCB’s batters managed to chase down the target with ease in the end.
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