IPL 2021: Padikkal, Kohli Steer Bangalore To A 10 Wicket Win Against Rajasthan

Cricket Image for IPL 2021: Padikkal, Kohli Steer Bangalore To A 10 Wicket Win Against Rajasthan (Image Source: Google)

Devdutt Padikkal's century, supported by Virat Kohli's fifty, powered Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) to a 10-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals(RR) in the 16th match of the IPL 2021 on Thursday. 

Brief Score: Rajasthan Royals - 178/9 (Shivam Dube - 46; Mohammad Siraj - 3/27) & Royal Challengers Bangalore - 181/0 in 16.3 overs (Devdutt Padikkal - 101*; Virat Kohli - 72*)

IPL 2021, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals, 16th Match 

Chasing a target of 178, RCB openers - Padikkal and Kohli - gave a perfect start as they smashed 59 runs in the powerplay. Both the openers continued to play aggressively even in the middle phase, that too without taking any risks. 

Padikkal, after two underwhelming performances, finally came to his own to smash his first IPL century. He hit his ton in 52 balls with the help of 11 fours and six sixes. 

Samson tried to put Kohli under the pump in the first over of the innings by bringing in Shreyas Gopal, against whom the RCB captain has got out three times in five innings. However, it didn't make much difference as Kohli smashed him for a six to start his innings. He finally made most of his good starts, unlike in the last few games, as he hit 72 from 47 balls. His knock included six fours and three sixes. 

The pair remained unbeaten and finished 178 run chase in just 16.3 overs to go on top of the points table with eight points in four games. 

Earlier, RCB sent in RR to bat first. The decision to bowl first turned out to be a good one as Rajasthan lost three wickets inside the powerplay. 

Mohammad Siraj bowled a beautiful line as he finished with three wickets in his four overs. 

Rajasthan's middle order did try to reconstruct the innings and make sure that the team reaches a competitive target. Shivam Dube and Rahul Tewatia scored valuable 46 & 40 respectively as RR reached 178/9 in the first innings.