Royal Challengers Bengaluru Sets IPL Playoff Record with 254 Runs Against Gujarat Titans

RCB's Historic Performance in Qualifier 1

In a stunning display, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a remarkable total of 254 runs for 5 wickets against Gujarat Titans during Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League held in Dharamsala on Tuesday. This score marks the highest ever recorded in an IPL playoff or knockout match, surpassing the previous record of 233 runs set by Gujarat Titans against Mumbai Indians in 2023.

Rajat Patidar was the standout performer, scoring an explosive 93 runs off just 33 balls. He received valuable support from Virat Kohli, who contributed 43 runs, Devdutt Padikkal with 30 runs, and Venkatesh Iyer, who added 19 runs, all of which set the stage for RCB's impressive finish.

Highlights of RCB's Innings

Strong Start Despite Early Loss

RCB began their innings with Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli at the crease. Iyer quickly took charge, scoring 14 runs in the first over against Mohammed Siraj. However, Kagiso Rabada struck back in the next over, dismissing Iyer for 19 runs and bringing Devdutt Padikkal to bat. Padikkal responded aggressively, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Rabada in the fourth over.

By the end of the Powerplay, RCB had established a solid position at 76 runs for 1 wicket.

Gujarat Titans Fight Back

The Titans made a significant comeback when Jason Holder took two crucial wickets in the ninth over, removing both Kohli and Padikkal, which posed a challenge for RCB.

Patidar's Record-Breaking Knock

Following the middle-order collapse, skipper Rajat Patidar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya formed a vital partnership to stabilize RCB's innings. They accelerated dramatically in the 15th over, scoring 28 runs off Kulwant Khejroliya, pushing RCB past the 150-run mark.

The duo continued their aggressive approach, targeting veteran spinner Rashid Khan and scoring 21 runs in the next over. However, Kagiso Rabada struck again in the 17th over, dismissing Krunal Pandya and bringing Tim David to the crease.

Patidar maintained his aggressive stance, scoring 15 runs off Rabada to reach a blistering half-century in just 21 balls. Prasidh Krishna then ended the partnership by dismissing Tim David for just 4 runs, allowing Jitesh Sharma to join Patidar.

Sharma and Patidar continued their onslaught, scoring 21 runs off Siraj in the 19th over, bringing RCB's total to 235. They finished strong, hammering Krishna for 19 runs in the final over, leading RCB to a staggering total of 254 runs for 5 wickets.