• Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 241/7 against Punjab Kings in Match 58 of the IPL 2024.

  • Virat Kohli played a sublime knock of 92 runs in just 47 balls.

IPL 2024: Fans react as Virat Kohli misses out on a century by a whisker during PBKS vs RCB clash
Virat Kohli (Image Source: Twitter)

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In his latest appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Virat Kohli, the luminary of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), further solidified his supremacy with a dazzling performance against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 58 on Friday (May 9). Kohli’s exceptional innings, embellished with a breathtaking display of skill and precision, exerted immense pressure on the PBKS team, exposing their vulnerabilities on the field. His sublime knock of 92 runs off just 47 deliveries, showcased at the magnificent setting of Dharamsala, was a testament to his unrivaled talent and unwavering determination.

Early challenges and lifelines

Kohli’s innings, however, didn’t commence on the most auspicious note, as he encountered early challenges against the PBKS. Twice within the early stages of his innings, Kohli found himself offered lifelines by the opposition. The first reprieve came when Ashutosh Sharma failed to grasp a catch after Kohli skied a delivery from debutant Vidhwath Kaverappa. Shortly after, Kohli survived another scare as Rilee Rossouw nearly pulled off a spectacular catch off Kaverappa’s bowling.

Shift in momentum: Powerplay onslaught

Following his initial setbacks, Kohli swiftly shifted gears, capitalizing on the powerplay by unleashing an onslaught against PBKS’ bowling attack. His assault began with a boundary off Sam Curran‘s bowling in the fourth over, signaling his intent to seize control of the proceedings. Despite losing partners such as Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks, Kohli persevered until he found an ideal ally in Rajat Patidar. Patidar, despite surviving an early catch scare, complemented Kohli’s aggression with his own devastating stroke play, propelling the RCB’s score past the 100 runs mark within nine overs. Patidar’s blistering fifty off just 21 balls further bolstered the team’s total before his departure, leaving a significant impact on the match.

Also READ:IPL 2024, PBKS vs RCB: Reason why Kagiso Rabada and Glenn Maxwell are not playing today’s game

Partnership dynamics

As the partnership flourished, Kohli’s momentum encountered a temporary disruption due to rain and hailstorms, halting the game after the completion of ten overs with the score standing at 119/3. Resuming play alongside Cameron Green, Kohli gradually regained his rhythm, punctuating his innings with two consecutive boundaries against Liam Livingstone. The Indian stalwart then unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, captivating the crowd with his exquisite stroke play. His sublime batting display, exemplified by a majestic  two sixes off Curran’s bowling, reignited the atmosphere in the stadium.

Virat Kohli’s dominance and a century miss

Kohli’s batting prowess was particularly pronounced on the leg-side, a domain where he exhibited sheer dominance against the bowling onslaught of Curran. Despite Curran’s best efforts, Kohli’s relentless assault persisted, driving home the advantage with boundaries and sixes that left the bowler reeling. With his sights set on a century, Kohli seemed destined for cricketing immortality as he dispatched deliveries from Arshdeep Singh for a boundary and a six. Nevertheless, fate had other plans, as his innings culminated at 92 runs when Rossouw clung on to a crucial catch, denying Kohli the milestone he so fervently pursued.

Contributions to RCB’s score against PBKS in the IPL 2024

Nevertheless, Kohli’s contribution proved monumental as RCB effortlessly breached the 200 runs mark, propelled by his seven boundaries and six towering sixes. Green’s valiant knock of 46 runs further complemented Kohli’s heroics, propelling RCB to a competitive score of 241/7 in their allotted 20 overs, thereby fortifying their quest for supremacy in the tournament.

Record-breaking performance

In addition to his on-field exploits, Kohli etched his name in the annals of IPL history by becoming the first player to amass over 600 runs in this season, amassing a staggering total of 634 runs from his 12 outings. This remarkable feat not only underscored Kohli’s unparalleled consistency but also elevated him to a league of his own, as he equaled KL Rahul‘s record of surpassing the 600 runs mark for the fourth time in IPL history.

Also READ: IPL 2024 playoffs qualification scenarios for LSG after heavy defeat against SRH

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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