Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli and former South African captain Faf du Plessis, who play for Royal Challengers Bangalore, have stood out as the most favourite opening duo in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
Thursdays match was no different as the two slammed a 172-run partnership which played a key role in RCBs eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Continuing his good form in this IPL season, Kohli slammed 100 off 63 balls while Faf played a second fiddle with his 47-run 71.
When asked about the secret behind the partnership against SRH, Kohli said, I think its the tattoos (laughs). We have almost 900 runs together this season. Its been amazing to bat with him. I used to feel the same when I batted with AB (AB de Villiers).
There was just an understanding of where the game is going and what needs to be done. We pump each other. We read the conditions.
We give each other feedback for how we can play certain bowlers so having an experienced guy whos captained at the international level, handled troops as well so its just been a beautiful transition for us coming together for RCB at the top and making an impact which is so important, the former RCB skipper added.
What is the secret of the highly successful Virat-Faf pair??
We will let King Kohli spill the beans ?#TATAIPL | #SRHvRCB | @RCBTweets | @imVkohli | @faf1307 pic.twitter.com/BEKGcALbZK
IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 18, 2023
How the match progressed?
Virat Kohlis chase masterclass and his scintillating century overshadowed Heinrich Klaasens ton in a gripping run-fest.
Chasing 187 set by SRH to win, Bangalore got off to a flying start courtesy of in-form openers – Kohli and captain Faf du Plessis.
Kohli hit from the word go and was off the mark with two timely strokes before Faf jumped on the bandwagon. The fifty partnership was up yet again in the tournament for Bangalores opening duo and the visitors moved to 64/0 after 6 overs.
Hyderabad nearly put an end to the opening partnership after Mayank Dagar took a sensational catch however on a delivery that unfortunately turned out to be a no ball, adding to Hyderabads worries.
The duo looked unstoppable with the bat as both Faf and Kohli reached their respective half-centuries and Bangalore were cruising at 108/0 with 8 overs to go.
Kohli was at his sublime best and left everyone in awe as the 150-run partnership was up for the opening wicket. The equation was down to 23 off 18 for the visitors as Hyderabad kept searching for the opening wicket.
Kohli smashed a maximum off Bhuvneshwar Kumars bowling to reach his first century of the season in style.
Hyderabad bounced back to dismiss both the Bangalore openers in quick succession but it was too late for the home side as Bangalore chased down the target with four balls to spare.
(With additional inputs from UNI)
