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Proving that he should be an obvious choice for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli scored his 100th 50-over score in T20 in RCB’s 177-run chase against Punjab Kings in Bengaluru, on Monday.
Chris Gayle currently holds the record for most 50+ scores in T20, achieving the feat in 110 matches, followed by David Warner (109) in second place. Kohli is third in the rankings, he did it in 100 matches. He is also the first Indian to reach 100 scores above 50 in T20, which will help silence critics who feel he should not be included in the T20 World Cup squad.
The former RCB captain scored 77 off 49 balls, 11 fours and two sixes. After his dismissal, RCB reached 130/5 in 16 overs, needing 47 more runs in 24 balls. Kohli is proving to be the only batsman who has performed for his team in this match. RCB got off to a shaky start in their chase, losing early opener Faf du Plesis (3), Cameron Green (3), Rajat Patidar (18) and Glenn Maxwell (3).
Despite falling wickets, Kohli remained calm and used his experience to keep the scoreboard ticking for RCB.
In the first innings, a 37-ball knock of 45 runs from Shikhar Dhawan saw PBKS score 176/6 in 20 overs. Despite losing his opening partner Jonny Bairstow (8) early, the PBKS captain revived the innings at no. 3 batsmen Prabhsimran Singh (25). Meanwhile, Sam Curran (23), Jitesh Sharma (27) and Shashank SIngh (21) took decent knocks for PBKS. For RCB’s bowling department, Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell took two wickets each.
Speaking after the PBKS innings, all-rounder Curran said: “It’s probably slightly under par. But (the surface) isn’t great, a good finish from the boys and some early wickets can help us get back in. They really played with it.” The new ball and there was some help for the spinners. “We’re going to come out with a plan and make enough 176.”
