Virat Kohli looked every bit the “chase-master” as he spearheaded Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful pursuit against Lucknow Super Giants. Lucknow’s innings ended with a modest target of 147, and Kohli responded by taking charge from the outset. He raced to 49 off 34 balls, striking six fours and one six, and was on track to reach his 66th IPL fifty when his innings was brought to an end.
While he was batting on 49, Nicholas Pooran held on to a catch off Avesh Khan, stopping Kohli’s momentum. Kohli attempted a lofted shot and was taken at long-on, a dismissal that visibly dampened the mood around the ground. Actor and Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma was present at the venue and appeared disappointed as he departed, with clips from the occasion quickly doing the rounds.
Lucknow had their moments, but it was Rasikh Salam Dar who delivered the decisive impact with the ball. The pacer produced a four-wicket spell, finishing with figures of 4/24, as RCB put together a composed, high-intensity performance to secure a five-wicket win on Wednesday. Earlier, when RCB sent Lucknow in, the chase never truly got going for the hosts.
Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni were the only batting bright spots, with Marsh scoring 40 off 32 balls and Badoni making 38 off 24. Still, the innings lacked the momentum needed to build a competitive total, and Lucknow were bowled out for 146—marking their lowest team score of the season.
Rasikh’s wickets were backed up by other contributions in the bowling effort. Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 3/27 and Krunal Pandya added 2/38, while Josh Hazlewood chipped in with one wicket to help tighten the noose at key stages.
In response, Kohli’s knock anchored the chase. He was supported by skipper Rajat Patidar, who contributed 27, and Jitesh Sharma, who struck 23 to keep the required run rate within reach. RCB completed the job by reaching 149 for 5 in 15.1 overs, comfortably surpassing the target.
For Lucknow, Prince Yadav took 3/32 and Avesh Khan finished with 2/23, but it was not enough to prevent Bengaluru from completing the chase with room to spare.
Brief scores:
Lucknow Super Giants: 146 all out in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 40, Ayush Badoni 38; Rasikh Salam Dar 4/24, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/27, Krunal Pandya 2/38).
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 149 for 5 in 15.1 overs (Virat Kohli 49; Prince Yadav 3/32).
