Kohli, Dar power Bengaluru to clinical win over Lucknow in IPL
Bengaluru— Virat Kohli and Rasikh Dar starred as Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday, chasing down a modest target with ease.
Bengaluru overhauled 147 in just 15.1 overs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with Kohli anchoring the innings with a composed 49 despite not being fully fit. He shared a steady partnership with captain Rajat Patidar, putting the hosts firmly in control early in the chase.
Put in to bat, Lucknow struggled to gain momentum and were restricted to 146 after a sluggish start. Dar was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 4-24 to dismantle the middle order, supported by Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya.
Lucknow’s innings was disrupted when captain Rishabh Pant retired hurt after being struck on the elbow by a rising delivery from Hazlewood. Mitchell Marsh top-scored with 40, while Ayush Badoni (38) and Mukul Choudhary (39) added late runs.
In reply, Bengaluru raced to 60-1 in the powerplay, with Kohli setting the tone before Patidar and a quick cameo from Jitesh Sharma helped seal the chase comfortably.
Kohli, who did not field after being introduced as an impact player due to a knee issue, said he was still recovering from injury but satisfied with his contribution.
Bengaluru moved level on points with Rajasthan Royals at the top of the standings, edging ahead on net run rate.Bengaluru next face Delhi Capitals, while Lucknow take on Punjab Kings.
