Kohli century powers RCB to top of IPL table

KATHMANDU: Royal Challengers Bengaluru climbed to the top of the IPL points table after defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets in a high-scoring clash, powered by a magnificent century from Virat Kohli.

Chasing a challenging target of 193 runs, RCB reached 193-4 in 19.1 overs with Kohli producing a masterclass innings of an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls.

The veteran batter registered the ninth century of his IPL career and bounced back in style after being dismissed for ducks in his previous two matches.

Kohli anchored the chase with composure and fluent strokeplay, combining elegant boundaries with sharp running between the wickets to keep Bengaluru firmly in control throughout the innings.

Devdutt Padikkal provided solid support with 39 runs, while Jitesh Sharma finished the chase with a quick cameo in the closing overs.

Earlier, Kolkata posted 192-4 after being asked to bat first. Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scored with 71 runs, while Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 49. Cameron Green added 32 runs to strengthen the innings.

Despite three wickets from Kartik Tyagi, Kolkata failed to stop Bengaluru’s powerful batting line-up.

RCB’s bowlers also played a key role in restricting Kolkata below the 200-run mark. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and the rest of the bowling attack delivered disciplined spells in the death overs, allowing KKR to score only 39 runs in the final four overs after they had reached 153-3 in 16 overs.