RCB begin IPL title defence with dominant win over Sunrisers Hyderabad

KATHMANDU: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) launched their Indian Premier League campaign with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, chasing down a daunting 202-run target in just 15.4 overs.

A commanding 101-run partnership for the second wicket between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal proved decisive at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Kohli remained unbeaten on 69 from 38 balls, striking five fours and five sixes, while Padikkal smashed 61 off just 26 deliveries, including seven fours and four sixes.

After the early dismissal of Phil Salt for 8, the duo steadied and accelerated the chase. Captain Rajat Patidar added a quickfire 31 off 12 balls, while Tim David finished unbeaten on 16.

For Hyderabad, David Payne took two wickets, with Jaydev Unadkat and Harsh Dubey claiming one each.

Earlier, Hyderabad posted a formidable 201 for 9 after being put in to bat.

Captain Ishan Sharma led the charge with a blistering 80 from 38 balls, supported by Aniket Verma (43) and Heinrich Klaasen (31).

However, early breakthroughs from Jacob Duffy, who claimed three wickets, dented Hyderabad’s momentum.

Romario Shepherd also took three wickets, though at a higher cost.

The match began on a sombre note, with both teams observing a minute’s silence and wearing black armbands in memory of 11 fans who lost their lives in a crowd crush during last year’s title celebrations.

Eleven seats were left vacant in tribute.

RCB had secured their maiden IPL title last season, defeating Punjab Kings in the final in Ahmedabad.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India resumed matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium only after enhanced safety assurances following the incident.