Kohli completes 100 half-centuries

Chasing 174, the 92-run opening partnership between Salt and Kohli in 8.4 overs set the tone for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's win as the duo scored runs at will

- AGENCIES

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt smashed half-centuries to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a nine-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday.

Chasing 174, the 92-run opening partnership between Salt and Kohli in 8.4 overs set the tone of RCB's win as the duo scored runs at their will. RCB had an electrifying start with Salt taking the charge from the first ball of the innings.

Rajasthan got an early chance to break the partnership but Riyan Parag dropped Kohli for 7 in the fourth over off Sandeep Sharma.

Salt continued the onslaught with a four and six respectively off Maheesh Theekshana's first over just before the powerplay. He continued his blistering knock with six off Sandeep Sharma before being dropped by Yashasvi Jaiswal. RCB were 65/0 after six overs.

Salt completed his second half-century of the season in 28 balls with a four against Wanindu Hasaranga. He charged the Sri Lankan to a six over deep midwicket in the same over.

Kumar Kartikeya brought respite to Rajasthan with Salt's wicket in the ninth over. He departed after contributing 65 off 33 balls studded with six sixes and five fours.

Devdutt Padikkal joined Kohli in the middle. The duo continued the momentum with Padikkal taking the aggressor's role as Kohli completed his third half-century of the season in 40 balls. It was also his 100th half-century in T20 cricket, making him the first Indian batter to do so.

Kohli pulled up his scoring rate after reaching the milestone and smacked six off Hasaranga to complete a 50-run stand for the second wicket with Padikkal. He wrapped up the over with a four to accumulate 14 runs from it.