Royal Challengers Bengaluru, coming out with a spirited all-round performance, secured a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday in Bengaluru. Chasing a target of 147, RCB handled it with confidence, crossing the finish line in 15.1 overs. Superstar Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 49 off 34 deliveries.
There were valuable contributions from Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma, who chipped in with 27 and 23 runs, respectively, helping maintain momentum through the middle overs. Down the order, Tim David and Romario Shepherd scored 14 runs each unbeaten, guiding the side to victory.
Earlier, asked to bat, Lucknow Super Giants struggled to build partnerships. Only Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni showed resistance, scoring 40 and 38, respectively. Despite their efforts, LSG were bowled out for 146 in 20 overs – their lowest total of the season. For RCB, young pacer Rasikh Salam produced a standout performance, claiming four wickets for 24 runs in his four overs.
The innings also witnessed an unfortunate moment for LSG skipper Rishabh Pant, who was struck on the left elbow by a delivery from Josh Hazlewood in the fifth over. Following which, he left the field, retiring hurt on a duck. However, he returned to bat but didn't stay long, scoring only one run off six balls before being dismissed by Bhuvneshewar Kumar.