Bengaluru, Apr 24 (UNI) A blazing 70 from Virat Kohli and an audacious half-century by Devdutt Padikkal propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a formidable 205 for five in their 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) contest at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday.

Sent in to bat after RR won the toss, RCB got off to a steady start with Phil Salt (26 off 23) timing the ball well before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga's guile in the seventh over. But it was the Kohli-Padikkal stand of 95 runs off just 51 balls that ignited the Bengaluru innings.

Kohli was in his regal element, stroking eight fours and two sixes in his 42-ball stay. His authoritative pull shots, wristy flicks and elegant drives drew roars from the Chinnaswamy faithful. He brought up his half-century in the 12th over with a fortuitous edge, but his dismissal to Jofra Archer in the 16th over – caught by Nitish Rana while attempting a lofted punch – ended a sparkling knock.

Padikkal, meanwhile, was in devastating touch, smashing 50 off just 27 balls, including four fours and three sixes. He showcased his range with lofted drives, late cuts, and a powerful sweep. His innings came to an end in the same over as Kohli’s, courtesy a juggling effort by Rana at extra cover off Sandeep Sharma.

RCB stuttered briefly after losing both set batsmen, with Rajat Patidar (1) edging behind to Dhruv Jurel. But the final push came through the powerful hitting of Tim David (23 off 15) and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma (20 not out off 10), who added 42 runs in the last 3.1 overs.

David smacked a four off Fazalhaq Farooqi and a fortuitous six off a mis-hit against Sandeep Sharma, while Jitesh counter-attacked after being struck on the helmet, slapping a short ball to the midwicket fence and deftly placing a wide one over cover.

The final ball of the innings saw a dramatic run-out as David, attempting a second run, fell short, thanks to sharp work by Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel. That capped off a vibrant RCB innings.

Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers for RR, finishing with 2/45, having takem both Padikkal and Patidar in the same over. Archer (1/33) delivered crucial overs at the death, while Hasaranga chipped in with the scalp of Salt.

Brief Scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 205/5 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 70, Devdutt Padikkal 50, Tim David 23, Jitesh Sharma 20*; Sandeep Sharma 2/45, Jofra Archer 1/33)

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