IPL 2025: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt lead RCB's big win over RR in Jaipur

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt (Photo: BCCI/IPL)

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An explosive knock by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Phil Salt and Virat Kohli 's signature unbeaten innings as 'chasemaster' deflated the Rajasthan Royals ' (RR) bowling attack, chasing a par target of 174 that the visitors achieved in 17.3 overs for a nine-wicket win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday.'Player of the Match' Salt's 65 off just 33 balls included 5 fours and 6 sixes as he played the aggressor in the 92-run opening stand, until dismissed in the ninth over bowled by 'impact sub' Kumar Kartikeya. After that, Kohli bossed the proceedings with his unbeaten 62 off 45 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes, and an 83-run unbroken stand with Devdutt Padikkal (40* of 28 balls).The half-century is Kohli's 100th in T20s, making him the only Asian player to achieve the feat.The victory kept RCB unbeaten in away matches so far this season and pushed them up to No. 3 on the points table with eight points from four wins, while RR stayed at the seventh spot with four points from six matches.RCB's bowling-first strategy proved effective on a pitch with inconsistent bounce and low carry, despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's impressive 75 runs from 47 deliveries, contributing to Rajasthan's final score of 173/4.The batting conditions were challenging with a sluggish surface, yet Salt's aggressive response caught the home team off guard.Salt demonstrated his aggressive intentions immediately, scoring a six off Jofra Archer's first over via a top edge, while also surviving a close leg before wicket appeal.His strategic movement across the stumps to target the leg side helped him achieve his second half-century of the tournament in 28 deliveries, reducing the target to under 100 runs by the eighth over.He had some lucky moments during his innings. At 23 runs, his powerful shot narrowly escaped Sandeep Sharma's stretched hands during a difficult caught and bowled attempt.Subsequently, when he reached 40, Jaiswal failed to hold onto a difficult catch at cover, which also presented a run-out opportunity that wasn't capitalised upon. These missed chances proved costly for the Royals.Kohli adopted a supporting role initially, starting with a measured approach of seven runs from his first six deliveries.He too had a fortunate moment early on when Riyan Parag failed to hold onto a straightforward catch at mid-off from Sandeep's slower delivery. However, RCB's star batter quickly regained his composure.Together, they scored 65 runs during the powerplay phase.Following Salt's departure, RCB required 82 runs from 68 deliveries. Subsequently, Kohli took control, crafting his innings with 25 singles while selecting his boundary opportunities with precision.He achieved his remarkable 100th T20 half-century in spectacular fashion, advancing down the pitch to dispatch Wanindu Hasaranga for a six straight over the bowler's head. That particular over, the 15th of the innings, produced 14 runs, reducing the target to a manageable 28 runs from 30 balls, effectively securing the outcome.Earlier, the young Jaiswal, aged 23, demonstrated excellent technique on a challenging surface, striking 10 fours and 2 sixes while his teammates found scoring difficult.He completed his second half-century of the tournament in 35 deliveries and put together a brisk 56-run partnership with Riyan Parag (30 off 18).Parag showed promise with one six and three fours but failed to capitalise after being dropped by Dayal at point when on 13.His innings concluded when he mistimed Dayal's well-concealed slower delivery, offering a catch to Kohli positioned at short cover.Sanju Samson struggled during his brief innings of 13 from 16 deliveries, facing difficulty against accurate bowling. Although he escaped an early run-out opportunity, his innings ended when Krunal Pandya had him stumped.Jaiswal maintained momentum with creative shot selection, successfully executing lap shots and reverse sweeps.His aggressive intent was evident when he scooped Hazlewood for a six over fine leg, but the same bowler dismissed him shortly after when he attempted a sweep shot and was adjudged leg before wicket.During the death overs, Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 35 from 23 balls, providing the final flourish.

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