In the sixth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, cricket fans witnessed an electrifying showdown between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The contest, held on Monday (March 25), promised high-octane action and lived up to its billing as two formidable teams battled it out on the field.
Shikhar Dhawan help Punjab Kings sets a competitive total
Opting to field first after winning the toss, RCB aimed to contain Punjab Kings within a manageable total. However, Punjab Kings had different plans as they commenced their innings with a determined approach. Led by the experienced Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab Kings got off to a solid start. Dhawan’s composed knock of 45 runs off 37 deliveries laid the foundation for his team, supported by valuable contributions from Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma. Despite some resistance from RCB’s bowlers, Punjab Kings managed to post a competitive total of 176/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Virat Kohli Leads RCB’s Charge
Chasing the target, RCB’s batting lineup was spearheaded by their talismanic batter, Virat Kohli. Known for his ability to chase down targets, Kohli took charge from the outset and played a captain’s knock. His magnificent innings of 77 runs off just 49 deliveries, adorned with exquisite strokes, showcased his class and determination. Kohli’s innings kept RCB’s chase on track despite the occasional setback of losing wickets at crucial junctures.
Also WATCH: Fan breaches security to hug Virat Kohli and touch his feet during RCB vs PBKS clash in M Chinnaswamy
Dinesh Karthik’s heroics seal the deal
As the match approached its climax, RCB found themselves in need of some quick runs to seal the victory. Stepping up to the occasion was the experienced campaigner, Dinesh Karthik. Karthik’s blistering cameo of 28 runs off just 10 deliveries turned the tide in RCB’s favour and swung the momentum decisively towards them. His calculated aggression and ability to finish games under pressure were on full display as he guided RCB to a thrilling win alongside Kohli.
In the bowling department, Punjab Kings’ bowlers put up a spirited effort but struggled to contain RCB’s formidable batting lineup. Despite picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals, they found it challenging to stem the flow of runs. While the likes of Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, and Kagiso Rabada managed to make inroads into RCB’s batting order, they couldn’t prevent the inevitable as RCB chased down the target with four wickets in hand and four balls to spare.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
75 in 47 balls now. You don’t doubt @imVkohli ‘s ability in any format of the game. Look at him plan this chase with absolute mastery. A live masterclass on how to chase down a total. 💥👌#ViratKohli𓃵 #IPL2024 #RCBvsPBKS https://t.co/TvWrcStmDA
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) March 25, 2024
Dinesh Karthik in World Cup wicket keepers race pic.twitter.com/BNCq3aFY1L
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 25, 2024
Feeling bad for everyone who calls themselves an ICT fan and missed this beautiful gameplay by Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/YBmUeWIQYC
— Shubh (@kadaipaneeeer) March 25, 2024
Wo, @DineshKarthik, no one else slips between the commentary box and the middle like you do!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 25, 2024
Just get a feeling @DineshKarthik would have sounded a lot more excited than he looked in the middle if he was doing commentary on his own innings tonight. But that’s how nonchalantly he seems to finish matches in this current avatar for @RCBTweets. Too easy. Brilliant #IPL2024
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) March 25, 2024
Entire cricket fraternity to Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/5vh4MJxqDn
— Harshhh! (@Harsh_humour) March 25, 2024
Dinesh Karthik entering the RCB dressing room tonight. 🔥😉#DineshKarthik #RCBvPBKS #IPL #IPL2024 #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/bsUQDMrKXG
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) March 25, 2024
Dinesh Karthik you beauty. ❤️#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/cTZ1XubYGf
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) March 25, 2024
Dinesh Karthik to RCB Fans #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/ofRpWLTDAs
— Harshhh! (@Harsh_humour) March 25, 2024
– Cricketer.
– Commentator.
– Keeper.
– Finisher.Dinesh Karthik – The All Rounder. ⭐ pic.twitter.com/v62PWHNPio
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 25, 2024
VIRAT KOHLI, THE BRAND…!!!!! 🐐
– 127 DB, The Highest Ever! pic.twitter.com/K4tu76AdTg
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) March 25, 2024
Virat Kohli making festivals even more special.
Diwali Holi pic.twitter.com/zn5LJShTwD— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) March 25, 2024