RCB complete a comfortable 7-wicket victory over Punjab Kings
Mullanpur: Devdutt Padikkal found his rhythm in style, crafting a fluent 61 off 35 balls under the calm guidance of Virat Kohli, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruised to a seven-wicket win over Punjab Kings on Sunday. In chasing 158, the pair stitched a sublime 103-run stand in 11.3 overs, executing classical strokes with composure and minimal risk.
Having lost to Punjab in a rain-hit encounter just two days earlier, RCB responded with clinical precision. Kohli, ever the chase master, remained unbeaten on 73 off 54 balls, anchoring the innings while allowing Padikkal to play freely. The southpaw, known for his elegant strokeplay, lit up the innings with an array of crisp shots, including a picture-perfect loft off Marco Jansen and four powerful sixes.
Earlier, spinners Krunal Pandya (2/25) and Suyash Sharma (2/27) stifled Punjab’s innings after an enterprising start. Punjab slumped from 42 for no loss to 76 for four, never fully recovering as RCB’s bowlers ensured a below-par 157, setting the stage for the Padikkal-Kohli show.
