BENGALURU: India great Virat Kohli led defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Saturday.
Kohli stamped his authority in the 202-run chase alongside Devdutt Padikkal. Bengaluru posted 76-1 in the powerplay and wrapped up the chase in 15.4 overs.
Kohli scored an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, while Padikkal smashed 61 off 26. Hyderabad was put in to bat and slipped to 29-3 inside the powerplay as IPL debutant Jacob Duffy took three early wickets.
Stand-in captain Ishan Kishan top-scored for Hyderabad with 80 off 38 balls, but lower-order cameos could only lift the visitors to 201-9.
Bengaluru will look to build on their winning start when they host Chennai Super Kings on April 5.