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 give Royal Challengers Bengaluru a flying start at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.The duo put together a powerful 120-run opening partnership, laying a strong foundation for RCB. Salt led the attack with 78 off 36 balls, while Kohli played the anchor role in the stand.
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The partnership also became RCB’s second-highest opening stand against Mumbai Indians in IPL history, behind the 148-run effort by Kohli and Faf du Plessis in Bengaluru in 2023.During the knock, Kohli achieved another significant feat, as he registered his 47th century partnership in T20 cricket – the most by any batsman in the format. In doing so, he surpassed Babar Azam, who is 46 years old, and surpassed other greats such as Chris Gayle (46), David Warner (45), and Faf du Plessis (40).Kohli eventually departed for 50 well, and was dismissed by Hardik Pandya after providing the perfect platform.A pillar of RCB since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Kohli has once again underscored his importance at the top. Meanwhile, the team is the defending champions, having clinched the IPL 2025 title by defeating Punjab Kings in the final.
Most partnerships of the century in T20 cricket
47- Virat Kohli*46- Chris Gayle46- Babar Azzam45- David Warner40 – Faf du Plessis
