IPL: Virat, Padikkal fifties guide RCB to effortless 7-wicket win over PBKS

RCB on third spot, with five wins, three losses and 10 points. With a same win-loss ratio, PBKS is at fourth spot

- AGENCIES

Half centuries by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continue their brilliant away run, registering their fifth successive win away from home after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by seven wickets at Mullanpur on Sunday.

With this win, RCB has managed to avenge their five-wicket loss to PBKS at their home stadium of M Chinnaswammy Stadium and secured their fifth win of the season. They are in third spot, with five wins, three losses and 10 points. With a same win-loss ratio, PBKS is at fourth spot.

During the run chase of 158 runs, RCB was off to a poor start as Arshdeep Singh removed Phil Salt for one run in three balls. RCB was 6/1 in one over.

In the next few overs, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal stitched a partnership, collecting boundaries against pace and spin alike. RCB reached the 50-run mark in 5.5 overs.

At the end of the powerplay in six overs, RCB was 54/1 in six overs, with Virat (31*) and Padikkal (22*) unbeaten.

The duo reached the 50-run partnership in 31 balls.

At the end of 10 overs, RCB looked right on track, at 88/1 with Padikkal (49*) and Virat (37*) unbeaten.