Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma showcased a display of power-hitting for Royal Challengers Bangalore as they aimed for a 200-plus total against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite an early setback with opener Phil Salt’s dismissal, Virat Kohli led the charge with a blistering knock, supported by Devdutt Padikkal. Kohli’s aggressive innings of 67 runs off 42 balls included eight fours and two sixes.
During the death overs, Patidar and Sharma continued the onslaught on the MI bowlers. Patidar’s explosive half-century was highlighted by consecutive sixes and fours off Hardik Pandya’s bowling. The duo formed a quick 50-run partnership in just 17 balls before Patidar fell to Trent Boult. Sharma then took charge, smashing Boult for two massive sixes in the penultimate over and adding more runs off Jasprit Bumrah in the final over.
Sharma’s innings came to a controversial end as he survived an lbw decision after a review revealed no contact with the bat. Despite the scare, RCB managed to post a formidable total of 221/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The duo’s aggressive batting display played a crucial role in RCB’s commanding performance against MI.
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