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Dinesh Karthik provided the late fireworks in a thrilling run-chase as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings for their first win of IPL 2024 on Monday night. Chasing 177, were put in a comfortable spot by their opener Virat Kohli who scored 77 before Karthik the finisher showed he’s still got a lot left in the tank, hitting an unbeaten 28 off 10 to seal a four-wicket win with four deliveries to spare.
With 47 needed from 24 deliveries, RCB lost Anuj Rawat before Karthik and Mahipal Lomror (17* off 8) combined to take their team over the line.
The contest seemed headed for a close finish with RCB needing 10 off the six. Arshdeep Singh was tasked by PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan to defend those runs but Karthik got the job done off the first two deliveries smacking a six off the first ball before sealing the win with a four.
Six by Dinesh Karthik and reaction by #ViratKohli???? as seen in this video is treat to RCB fans #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/bdqMMVDdPD— Mr A. (@ten_kim10661) March 26, 2024
That six off Arshdeep was a result of Karthik walking across the stumps before scooping the ball over fine leg boundary. It was a shot that even had a visibly surprised Kohli leave his chair in the dressing room as he watched the ball sail over the boundary.
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This was the second time in a row that Karthik rescued RCB. In the season opener against Chennai Super Kings, he played a vital role in reviving their innings after a top-order collapse. Karthik scored an unbeaten 38 off 26 to help RCB finish with 173/6 after they had been reduced to 78/5 at one stage.
The 38-year-old Karthik has played as a batter in both the games thus far with the young Anuj Rawat entrusted with the wicketkeeping duties.
Chasing their first win of the season after losing to CSK last week, RCB opted to bowl first and kept PBKS to 176/6 in 20 overs. Their chase began on a rapid note, led by Kohli who was dropped on 0 before he punished PBKS for what turned out to be a costly mistake.
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