Virat Kohli made his first appearance as an impact substitute in the IPL and guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a strong five wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday.
Kohli came in only to bat after picking up an injury in the previous match against Mumbai Indians. He did not take part in the first innings. When Bengaluru began their chase of 147, he walked in early after Phil Salt fell for seven in the second over.
Kohli gave the chase a fast start. He hit six fours off Mohammed Shami and Prince Yadav. He also struck one six off spinner Digvesh Rathi. He looked set for a fifty but got out for 49 after being caught in the deep off Avesh Khan.
He now leads the run charts this season with 228 runs. He has scored two fifties in five matches.
Bengaluru lost a few wickets in the middle. Captain Rajat Patidar made 27 before getting out. Tim David and Romario Shepherd stayed calm at the end. Both scored 14 not out and took the team home with ease.
Bengaluru reached the target with 29 balls left. It was their fourth win in five matches. They are now level on points with Rajasthan Royals but sit on top of the table due to a better net run rate.
Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants scored 146 in 20 overs. Rasikh Salam led the bowling with 4 for 24. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave good support with 3 for 27.
Lucknow had a tough start. Aiden Markram fell early for 12. Captain Rishabh Pant was hit on the elbow by a short ball from Josh Hazlewood and had to leave the field. He came back later but got out soon after to a fine catch by Phil Salt.
Mitchell Marsh scored 40, the highest for Lucknow. But the rest of the batters could not build strong partnerships.
