IPL 2023: Kohli, Du Plessis dazzle as RCB thrashes Mumbai Indians

A magnificent opening partnership between skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli set up Royal Challengers Bangalore's eight-wicket victory in the Indian Premier League at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday.

After Tilak Varma's explosive half-century helped Mumbai Indians reach a competitive total of 171/7, Du Plessis (73 off 43 balls, 5 fours, 6 sixes) and Kohli (82 not out off 49 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes) put on an exhilarating exhibition of batting against pace and spin to earn the Bangalore franchise a memorable win.

Earlier, MI, after being put into bat, was off to a disappointing start. The home side put pressure on MI with their accurate line and length.

Opener Ishan Kishan succumbed to Mohammed Siraj's pace in the powerplay for just 10 off 13 with two fours after being caught by Harshal Patel at the deep.

Cameron Green was then dismissed by pacer Reece Topley.

Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, but Varma (84 not out off 46 balls, 9 fours, 4 sixes) staged a heroic fightback with some breathtaking shots to take Mumbai to a competitive total.

In the end, the 20-year-old batsman's efforts were not enough as Kohli and Du Plessis made a mockery of the target, helping RCB reach home with 22 balls to spare.

Brief scores

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