OTD in 2016: Kohli and de Villiers register record-breaking partnership in IPL - Cricket Winner

In the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL), certain moments stand out as epitomes of excellence and sheer brilliance. One unforgettable moment unfolded on 14th May 2016 during a pulsating clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Lions at Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This encounter witnessed the rise of a new record as batting maestros Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers orchestrated a monumental partnership, etching their names in the annals of T20 cricket history.

Kohli and de Villiers Unleashed

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, stalwarts in their own right, had been pillars of strength for the Bangalore-based franchise over the years. Their synergy on the field had often left cricket enthusiasts in awe, and on this particular day, they were poised to script another chapter of greatness.

Expectations were high as RCB took on Gujarat Lions, but none could anticipate the spectacle that was about to unfold. Batting first, RCB faced an early setback with Chris Gayle’s dismissal. However, this paved the way for Kohli and de Villiers to take center stage.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Reserve day dilemma for semifinals and final amid tight schedule

The Record-Breaking Partnership

With a steely resolve and unwavering determination, Kohli and de Villiers embarked on a batting masterclass that would reverberate throughout the cricketing world. Leasing his trademark flair, De Villiers wasted no time finding his rhythm, peppering the boundary with authoritative strokes.

As the innings progressed, the duo unleashed an onslaught on the Gujarat Lions’ bowling attack, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for domination. De Villiers’ assault on the bowlers was relentless, while Kohli played the perfect foil, rotating the strike and providing ample support.

Milestone Moments:

The 16th over witnessed de Villiers’ swift ascent to a half-century, achieved in just 25 deliveries. Not content with mere milestones, he proceeded to decimate the opposition, reaching his century in 43 balls, punctuated by a ferocious assault on Praveen Kumar.

Meanwhile, Kohli was orchestrating his symphony of destruction. With a blend of finesse and power, he unleashed an onslaught that left the Gujarat Lions reeling. The 18th and 19th overs proved particularly punishing, with Kohli dispatching the ball to all corners of the ground.

Record-Breaking Partnership

The crescendo of their partnership reached its zenith in the final over as Kohli bludgeoned his way to a breathtaking century, his third of the season, in just 53 deliveries. The duo’s partnership, a staggering 229 runs, propelled RCB to a mammoth total of 248 runs, setting a new record for the highest T20 stand for the second wicket and the most significant stand for all T20s.