On March 25, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won a dramatic final-over match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to kick off the 2024 IPL season at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The tight outing came down to RCB needing 10 runs off six deliveries when Dinesh Karthik hit a spectacular six that even Virat Kohli was amazed by. The wicketkeeper-batsman stepped over his stumps to Arshdeep Singh’s back-of-a-length delivery and scooped it over fine-leg for a maximum.
Kohli carefully rose from his seat to check if the ball would fly for six, after which he delivered high-fives to captain Faf du Plessis.
Here’s a video of Dinesh Karthik’s six and Kohli’s hilarious response to it:
The six reduced the equation to four off five, which quickly became three off five thanks to a wide, and Karthik concluded the game in style with a straight boundary.
After coming in with RCB requiring 47 from four overs, the veteran once again shown his finishing skills, hitting an undefeated 28 from ten deliveries.
“I wasn’t completely in control but getting there” – Dinesh Karthik
While Dinesh Karthik admits to losing control after his back-to-back key knocks to start the 2024 IPL, he believes he is slowly but steadily returning to his best.
In RCB’s first game against the Chennai Super Kings, the 38-year-old batted well, scoring 38* off 26 deliveries. Karthik had a disappointing 2023 IPL season, averaging less than 12, so his return to form is a huge relief for RCB.
At the post-match presentation, he stated:
“I wasn’t completely in control but getting there. We needed that (knock from Lomror), Anuj batted well last time but when Mahipal walked out.. he took the pressure off me. I had to wait to play the scoop.”
Dinesh Karthik
Earlier in the game, the RCB bowlers performed excellently, limiting PBKS to a disappointing 176/6 in 20 overs.
Their successful run chase was predicated on Virat Kohli stunning 77 off 49 deliveries, which included 11 boundaries and two maximums. The victorious hitter was named Player of the Match after another courageous performance in a run chase.
RCB was anxious for a win after losing their season opener against CSK, and the victory over PBKS propelled them to sixth place on the points table.
Against the Kolkata Knight Riders, they’ll compete in their forthcoming fixture at their home venue on Friday, the 29th of March.