Royal Challengers Bengaluru storm into Qualifier 1 after third highest IPL run-chase

Royal Challengers Bengaluru storm into Qualifier 1 after third highest IPL run-chase

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made sure of their place in the top two of the IPL table after beating already eliminated Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in what was a record run-chase.

Chasing a mammoth target of 228, RCB captain Jitesh Sharma produced a breathtaking knock of 85 not out off just 33 balls to see his team over the line with eight balls to spare.

The victory was set up by opening pair Phil Salt (30 off 19 balls) and Virat Kohli who added 61 in just 5.4 overs to set the platform for the third highest successful run-chase in IPL history.

Former India skipper Kohli continued his good form in the tournament with 54 from 30 deliveries while Mayank Agarwal played a good supporting hand to Sharma with an unbeaten 41 from 23 balls.

Lucknow would have thought they would have ended their campaign o a high when they posted a total of 227-3 thanks largely to a brilliant 118 not out from captain Rishabh Pant.

Pant got good support from Australia international Mitch Marsh, who struck 67 from 31 deliveries, with the pair adding 152 for the second wicket.

The victory means RCB finish second in the IPL standings, behind Punjab Kings on net run-rate and the teams will face each other in the first qualifier in the playoffs.

Mumbai Indians will take on Gujarat Titans in the eliminator.

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