Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) kicked off their IPL-18 campaign with a commanding win, defeating defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 7 wickets. This victory marks RCB’s first win against KKR in three years and breaks their four-match losing streak.
Chasing a target of 175, Bangalore comfortably reached the total in just 16.2 overs at Eden Gardens. Virat Kohli led the charge with an unbeaten 59, while captain Rajat Patidar added 34 and Phil Salt contributed a quick 56. For Kolkata, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, and Sunil Narine picked up a wicket each.
Earlier, after being put to bat first, KKR posted 174/8. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 56, supported by Sunil Narine (44) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (30). Bangalore’s bowling attack was led by Krunal Pandya, who claimed three wickets. Josh Hazlewood took two, while Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam, and Suyash Sharma chipped in with one wicket each.
With this emphatic win, RCB starts their season on a high note, while KKR will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.