In Monday’s IPL 2024 match in Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Punjab Kings by four wickets after falling down early on. The Royals needed Dinesh Karthik’s help to chase 177 runs in 19.2 overs.
The only man in the top order to keep up the chase was Virat Kohli, as RCB’s run chase got off to a tough start. He finished the chase with some amazing strokes. After hitting 77 off 49 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, the former captain of the RCB almost missed a century when Harshal Patel removed him from the game on the last delivery of the 16th over. When Kohli exited at 130/5, RCB was beginning to falter.
RCB seemed like they were about to lose again as Rummy Perfect entered the game. In the second delivery of the 17th over, partner Anuj Rawat was removed off the wicket, and Mahipal Lomror took his place as the wicketkeeper. This did not appear good for him at first. After hitting a four to start the inning, he singled the next. Afterwards, with two balls remaining in the over, Karthik hit Sam Curran with a four ball.
After Dafabet Login Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh gave up 13 runs in the eighteenth over, Lomror hit him for four and a six to raise the total to 23 off 12 balls. Then, Karthik cost Harshal Patel 13 runs in the 19th over by hitting him for four and six.
The RCB Betway needed ten runs, thus Shikhar Dhawan chose to partner with Arshdeep with the game on the line in the final over. In his opening over, the seasoned PBKS pacer hit a length delivery that Karthik skillfully deflected for a six. Everyone in the Royal Challenge Bangalore dugout, including captain Virat Kohli, was jumping with delight when they saw Karthik smash a six! Karthik finished the match in spectacular fashion after Arshdeep delivered a wide and then a full delivery that he crushed for a four beyond the bowler.
