PBKS vs RCB IPL 2023 Highlights: Siraj Shines As Bangalore Record Clinical Win On Kohli’s Return As Captain

Having posted a competitive 174, RCB bowlers bundled the Punjab Kings batting lineup out for 150 in 18.2 overs. Mohammed Siraj emerged as the pick of the bowlers for RCB as the right-arm pacer picked up a four-for.

Siraj was impressive with the ball and even electrifying in the field as the effected a stunning run-out and took a fine catch as well as Punjab batters couldn’t pose much threat to the visitors.

Simran Singh (46 off 30) and Jitesh Sharma (41 off 27) were the only positives with the bat for Punjab Kings as the rest of their teammates failed to score well in the run chase.

Earlier in the day, Faf du Plessis plundered 84 off 56 balls despite a rib injury and shared a 137-run stand with opening partner Virat Kohli before Punjab Kings fought back to limit RCB to 174 for four.

At 91 for no loss in 10 overs, RCB were on course for 200 plus total but Punjab bowled well in the middle and death overs to restrict the opposition, who could only manage 83 runs off the last 60 balls.

Sam Curran and Rahul Chahar did not take wickets but conceded less than seven runs per over.

With regular skipper du Plessis turning up only as an ‘Impact Player’, Kohli came out for the toss as stand-in captain.

Du Plessis hammered five sixes and as many fours in his belligerent knock. Like he often does, the former South Africa skipper was not afraid to show his stumps to the spinners to free his arms for the big shots.

Kohli made 59 off 47 balls though the first half of his innings was more fluent.

It was the fourth fifty plus score for the RCB openers this season, highlighting their consistency.

RCB would be a tad disappointed with the total they ended up with after a flying start from du Plessis and Kohli, who fired their team to 59 for no loss in the powerplay.

Arshdeep Singh and Curran employed the short-ball tactic against du Plessis and Kohli with the new ball but it did not work.

The Indian star began with his trademark cover drive off spinner Harpreet Brar before pulling a short ball from Arshdeep over a short fine leg for another four in the third over.

Du Plessis got going with a couple of sixes off Brar, who opened the bowling alongside Arshdeep.

The South African made room for a massive straight six over Brar’s head and followed it up with another one wide over long on. However, his best of the lot was the straight six off pacer Nathan Ellis as he stood still to slap it over the bowler’s head.

(With PTI inputs)