Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are gunning for their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) glory, began their 16th edition of the cash-rich tournament in resounding fashion. The Red Army trounced five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and inflicted a horrendous eight-wicket loss on Rohit Sharma's men on April 2 (Sunday) at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Chasing a competitive target of 172 runs, the Red Army rode on former skipper Virat Kohli's stylish knock of 82 not out off 49 balls and current captain Faf du Plessis' attractive innings of 73 runs off 43 balls to chase down the target in just 16.2 overs with 22 balls to spare. As a result of the win, RCB secured its fifth win in the last six matches against the most successful franchise in the cash-rich league.
Hosting this edition's first game, the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium was bouncing as delighted fans displayed delirium watching their team perform stupendously. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric as the chants of 'RCB...RCB...RCB' echoed to all corners of the city.
Former Ireland cricketer Niall John O'Brien, who was at the stadium, was amazed by the RCB supporters and their passion for their team. The ex-Irish star took to Twitter and lauded RCB fans by saying he personally has 'never experienced noise' like the one he heard on Sunday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
"Craziest best fans in the world. Never experienced noise and atmosphere like it," O'Brien said in a Tweet in which he shared a video that displayed the spectacle.
Watch the video here:
After the game, Kohli also voiced his pleasure upon seeing the stadium completely filled with passionate fans as RCB played its first game at Chinnaswamy Stadium after four years.
"Phenomenal, it was a packed crowd, every seat was full when we walked in here," Kohli told the host broadcaster after the match.
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