Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 60 runs in the 58th match of IPL 2024, played in Dharamsala on May 9, 2024. After being put into bat, RCB’s top order fired on all cylinders, with Virat Kohli leading from the front with a vintage 92 off just 47 balls. Rajat Patidar continued his fine form, smashing 55 in just 23 balls, while Cameron Green’s quickfire 46 powered RCB to an imposing 241/7 in 20 overs. Despite some early breakthroughs from Punjab, the relentless RCB batting lineup proved too strong.
Punjab’s chase began with some promise but unraveled quickly under scoreboard pressure. Rilee Rossouw fought valiantly, scoring a brisk 61 to give PBKS a glimmer of hope. However, wickets kept tumbling at the other end, with Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, and Sam Curran failing to provide meaningful support. RCB’s bowlers maintained discipline, taking regular wickets and never allowing PBKS to build any lasting momentum. The required run rate ballooned beyond reach, eventually leading to Punjab’s collapse for 181 in just 17 overs.
All-round bowling effort from RCB bundled out PBKS for just 181
RCB's bowling attack was spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj, who claimed three wickets for 43 runs, exploiting the conditions well and varying his pace smartly. Lockie Ferguson and Karn Sharma also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs at key moments. While the pitch was favorable for batting, RCB’s tactical execution with the ball made a significant difference.
PBKS, on the other hand, lacked the firepower and composure to match the high-scoring challenge and seemed rattled by the sheer weight of the target. With this emphatic victory, RCB kept their faint playoff hopes alive, gaining two valuable points and boosting their net run rate significantly. Punjab Kings, however, were officially knocked out of contention for the IPL 2024 playoffs with this defeat.
