Kohli’s unbeaten ton powers RCB past KKR in rain-delayed Raipur thriller

An unbeaten masterclass century from Virat Kohli powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in a rain-delayed Match 57 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Nava Raipur on Wednesday.

Chasing a target of 193, Kohli produced an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls, anchoring the innings as RCB reached 194 for 4 in 19.1 overs to strengthen their position at the top of the points table. The opener struck 11 boundaries and three sixes in an innings that blended aggression with calculated acceleration.

RCB began steadily before losing Jacob Bethell early for 15 after the left-hander miscued Kartik Tyagi. Kohli settled into a rhythm and stitched together a 92-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal that tilted the chase in Bengaluru’s favour. Padikkal contributed 39 off 27 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries before becoming Tyagi’s second wicket.

With the required rate under control, Kohli dictated terms despite KKR striking through Kartik Tyagi and Sunil Narine. Rajat Patidar chipped in with 11, while Tim David departed attempting an expansive stroke against Tyagi.

Kohli ensured there were no late complications, bringing up his century and guiding the chase to completion alongside Jitesh Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 8. The innings once again showed Kohli’s dominance in run chases and his consistency this season.

Earlier, KKR posted 192 for 4 after being asked to bat, riding on knocks from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh. Raghuvanshi anchored the innings with a 71 off 46 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes, while Rinku provided the finish with an unbeaten 49 off 29 deliveries.

KKR had started briskly through Finn Allen and skipper Ajinkya Rahane. Allen smashed 18 off eight balls before falling to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while Rahane made 19 before Josh Hazlewood removed him with a return catch.

Raghuvanshi rebuilt alongside Cameron Green, who scored 32 off 24 balls, as the pair consolidated through the middle overs. Rinku Singh’s late acceleration in the death overs pushed KKR close to the 200-mark, though RCB’s bowlers pulled things back in the final overs.

Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam picked up a wicket each, while the Bengaluru attack showed discipline under pressure on a batting-friendly surface.

For KKR, Kartik Tyagi stood out with figures of 3/32 and briefly raised hopes with timely breakthroughs, but Kohli’s brilliance ultimately proved decisive in another high-scoring contest in Raipur.