Virat Kohli and Babar Azam (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Phil Salt came out all guns blazing, dismantling the Mumbai Indians bowling attack to hand Royal Challengers Bengaluru a flying start at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.The pair forged an impressive opening partnership of 120 runs to lay a solid foundation for RCB. Salt led the charge with a brilliant 78 off 36 balls while Kohli played the role of anchor in the stands.
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Stephen Fleming on CSK’s overhaul, pressure player rule and impact on bowling The partnership also became RCB’s second highest opening stand against Mumbai Indians in IPL history, behind Kohli and Faf du Plessis’ 148 starts in Bengaluru in 2023.During the knock, Kohli achieved another major milestone as he registered his 47th century partnership in T20 cricket – the most by any Test in the format. In doing so, he surpassed Babar Azam’s 46 and moved ahead of other greats like Chris Gayle (46), David Warner (45) and Faf du Plessis (40).Kohli eventually departed for a well-made 50, dismissed by Hardik Pandya after providing the perfect platform.A mainstay for RCB since the first season of the IPL in 2008, Kohli has again underlined his value at the top. The franchise, meanwhile, are the defending champions who clinched the IPL 2025 title by defeating Punjab Kings in the final.
Most century partnerships in T20 cricket
47 – Virat Kohli*46 – Chris Gayle46 – Babar Azam45 – David Warner40 – Faf du Plessis
