Virat Kohli’s Milestone Century Propels RCB to Victory in T20 Clash Against Punjab Kings

Proving his mettle and solidifying his candidacy for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli showcased his prowess by notching up his 100th 50-plus score in T20 matches during the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s pursuit of 177 runs against Punjab Kings in Bengaluru, as reported on Monday.

Chris Gayle currently holds the record for the most 50-plus scores in T20 cricket, achieving this milestone in 110 matches, closely followed by David Warner with 109 matches to his credit. Kohli now stands third on this leaderboard, accomplishing the feat in 100 matches. Notably, he becomes the first Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone, countering critics who doubted his suitability for inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.

The former captain of RCB displayed his batting prowess with a blistering knock of 77 runs off 49 deliveries, embellished with 11 boundaries and two maximums. Kohli’s departure saw RCB positioned at 130/5 in 16 overs, requiring a further 47 runs from 24 balls to secure victory. Throughout the match, Kohli emerged as the lone standout performer for his team, especially given RCB’s faltering start with early dismissals of Faf du Plesis (3), Cameron Green (3), Rajat Patidar (18), and Glenn Maxwell (3).

Despite the setbacks, Kohli exhibited composure and drew upon his experience to keep the scoreboard ticking in RCB’s favor.

In the initial innings, Shikhar Dhawan’s contribution of 45 runs off 37 deliveries propelled Punjab Kings to a total of 176/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite the early loss of his opening partner Jonny Bairstow (8), the PBKS skipper orchestrated a recovery alongside number three batsman Prabhsimran Singh (25). Additionally, noteworthy contributions from Sam Curran (23), Jitesh Sharma (27), and Shashank Singh (21) bolstered PBKS’ innings. Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell made significant impacts for RCB’s bowling department, claiming two wickets each.

Reflecting on PBKS’ innings, all-rounder Sam Curran remarked, “It is probably slightly under par. But it (the surface) is not a belter, good finish by the boys and a few early wickets can get us back. They bowled really with the new ball and there was some help for the spinners. We are going out there with a plan and make 176 enough.”