Virat Kohli shatters David Warner's all-time IPL record with match-winning 73 in RCB vs PBKS clash

Virat Kohli's batting wizardry was once again on full display in the IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. Opening the innings in pursuit of a target of 158 runs, Kohli (73 off 54) played a composed and calculated knock and raced to his fifty in 43 balls. This steady knock anchored the RCB innings and guided them to a convincing win over PBKS

RCB bowlers delivered a strong performance, restricting PBKS to a total of 157 runs for the loss of six wickets. Although the home side started their innings briskly, RCB spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, struck crucial blows by dismissing the opening batsmen, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, in quick succession. This double setback proved difficult for PBKS to recover from, as they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Virat Kohli then took the onus on himself and cracked a splendid fifty in RCB's emphatic win. His half-century in this match not only contributed to his team's victory but also etched his name further into the IPL record books. With this innings, Kohli became the first player globally to clock 67 fifty-plus scores in IPL history. He surpassed David Warner, with whom he was previously tied at 66 fifty-plus scores, to claim the big milestone

While David Warner's IPL record comprises 62 half-centuries and four centuries, Virat Kohli's tally now stands at 59 fifties and eight hundreds. Following these two prolific batsmen in terms of fifty-plus scores are Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, who have recorded 53 and 45 such knocks, respectively.

RCB secured a decisive seven-wicket victory over Punjab Kings. Virat Kohli played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings and remaining unbeaten on 73 runs from 54 deliveries. He received valuable support from Devdutt Padikkal, who contributed a significant 61 runs to the winning cause.

This victory marked Royal Challengers Bengaluru's fifth win in away fixtures this season. However, their home record stands in stark contrast, with all matches played in Bengaluru resulting in defeat. Following this win, the team, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, has climbed to the third position in IPL 2025 points table.