Punjab Kings (PBKS) thrashed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 54 runs at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Friday (May 13), keeping their dreams of qualifying for the IPL 2022 playoffs alive. The massive win over RCB also gave PBKS' net run rate a much-needed boost.
With the bat, Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone scored blistering fifties, and while bowling, Kagiso Rabada (3/21) sparkled for PBKS. Apart from their on-field performance, Punjab Kings have also won hearts off the field, with their Instagram post honouring Virat Kohli going viral.
The Punjab Kings bowlers were put under early pressure in the second innings, with Virat Kohli looking in terrific form. Rabada, on the other hand, dismissed the RCB star for 20 off 14 balls.
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Kohli's terrible form continued in IPL 2022, but the Punjab Kings, to their credit, offered some encouraging words for the ace batter.
"Virat Kohli, even we enjoyed while it lasted. Hope luck turns on your side soon," Punjab Kings wrote on Instagram with a picture of a frustrated Kohli to go along with it.
The post received over 170,000 likes, with many people complimenting PBKS on their post.
"Appreciate your post," wrote one Instagram user.
"I want Punjab to win.... but it hurts watching Kohli struggle ??...I wish luck supports him in upcoming matches and specially world cup," wrote another.
"How sweet gesture, hope he comebacks soon," said another user.
"RCB fan but Punjab won the heart," wrote another fan.
After being put in to bat on Friday, PBKS scored 209 for 9 in 20 overs. Jonny Bairstow hit 66 off 29 balls, while Liam Livingstone smashed 70 off 42.
RCB's Harshal Patel claimed four wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga took two.
A few RCB batters got off to fast starts in the chase but couldn't keep going. RCB were reduced to 155 for 9 in the end, with Glenn Maxwell leading the way with 35 from 22 balls.
