What Happened Last Time When RCB Faced PBKS In IPL 2024?

Kohli starred with the bat against PBKS in Bengaluru. (X)Kohli starred with the bat against PBKS in Bengaluru. (X)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to secure their fourth consecutive victory as they confront the unpredictable Punjab Kings at the scenic Dharamsala. In the midst of the IPL 2024, both teams are battling for survival and playoff qualification.

While expectations for their advancement may be low, a win in this crucial match could keep their hopes alive. With a previous victory over PBKS and three consecutive wins under their belt, RCB enters this clash with greater confidence than the hosts.

When RCB met PBKS in Bengaluru

Mohammed Siraj struck early, dismissing Jonny Bairstow after conceding two consecutive boundaries. Prabhsimran Singh and Skipper Shikhar Dhawan then forged a fifty partnership at a decent pace before Glenn Maxwell removed Prabhsimran. 

Liam Livingstone, coming in at four, managed a couple of boundaries off Maxwell's bowling. Alzarri Joseph bowled a precise length to dismiss Livingstone, while Dhawan fell to Maxwell in the same over. 

With Punjab Kings at 98/4 in the 13th over, RCB bowled tightly despite the Curran-Jitesh duo forming a strong partnership. Siraj delivered a superb penultimate over, but Alzarri Joseph leaked 20 runs in the final over as PBKS finished at 176-6.

Kohli, DK steer RCB to win

RCB began their innings aggressively, with opener Virat Kohli capitalizing on a dropped catch by Jonny Bairstow. Skipper Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green failed to make big scores. However, Kohli continued to attack during the Powerplay. 

He found support from Rajat Patidar, forming a solid partnership. Just as they settled in, Patidar lost his wicket, followed by Glenn Maxwell. 

Despite these setbacks, Kohli persisted with his aggressive batting and reached his 51st IPL half-century. However, his dismissal for 77 off 49 balls shifted the momentum. After a few hiccups in the middle overs, Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror guided RCB to victory with a strong finish.