Virat Kohli etched his name in T20 cricket history once again by surpassing Babar Azam to claim the record for the most 50-plus scores while batting first in the format. Kohli achieved this milestone during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals clash in Match 42 of the IPL 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Virat Kohli surpasses Babar Azam: Most 50+ scores batting first in T20s
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62 – Virat Kohli
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61 – Babar Azam
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57 – Chris Gayle
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55 – David Warner
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52 – Jos Buttler
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52 – Faf du Plessis
Kohli brought up his 70 off just 42 balls, peppered with 8 fours and 2 sixes, striking at a brisk 166.67. He was eventually dismissed by Jofra Archer, caught by Nitish Rana.
RCB vs RR – Match Summary (First Innings)
RCB Score: 162/3 in 16.3 overs
Top Scores:
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Virat Kohli – 70 (42)
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Devdutt Padikkal – 50 (27)
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Philip Salt – 26 (23)
Bowling Highlights (RR):
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Wanindu Hasaranga: 3-0-20-1
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Sandeep Sharma: 2.3-0-25-1
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Jofra Archer: 3-0-25-1
RCB’s aggressive start was anchored by Kohli’s fluent knock and a powerful half-century by Padikkal, who smashed 3 sixes and 4 fours. Salt gave them early momentum before falling to Hasaranga.
Partnership Update
The Padikkal-Kohli duo stitched a strong 87-run partnership, laying a dominant foundation. However, both fell in quick succession, allowing RR to claw back slightly.
Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Playing XI: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Rajasthan Royals
Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
With the stage set, all eyes are now on Rajasthan Royals’ chase as they aim to overhaul a target north of 160. Will Kohli’s record-setting innings inspire a Bengaluru victory?
