RCB got off to an impressive start as their openers added 82 for the first wicket in 10.3 overs. Kohli hit five fours in his innings, but could not press the accelerator. Skipper Faf du Plessis was a lot more assertive, striking five fours and a six in his 32-ball 45 before perishing to Mitchell Marsh (2/21). Marsh made it two in two when Glenn Maxwell edged his Aussie teammate behind the wickets.
Lomror then played a brilliant knock to lift RCB. His unbeaten 54 featured six fours and three sixes as Bangalore ended up going past 180 despite another failure for Dinesh Karthik (11 off 9). Anuj Rawat came in and chipped in with 8 not out of three balls.
In the chase, Salt was absolutely dominant. His brutal 87 featured eight fours and six sixes and ensured a thumping win for Delhi. Salt and skipper David Warner (22 off 14) added 60 for the first wicket in 5.1 overs. The stand was broken when Warner skied Josh Hazlewood to mid-off.
Salt then featured in a 59-run stand for the second wicket with Marsh; the latter contributing 26 off 17. Salt’s superb knock ended when he was knocked over by a ripper from Karn Sharma. Rilee Rossouw chipped in with an unbeaten 35 off 22 balls, striking three sixes and a four. Axar Patel came in and hit a six, remaining unbeaten on 8 off 3 balls.
Speaking after winning the game, DC skipper Warner said, “Amazing. I thought it was a par score, the ball was skidding. But the way we came out led by Phil Salt paved the way. Our intention was to take on Siraj, he's been bowling well and taking wickets early. His wickets have been bowled or LBW so we wanted to drag his length back.
He added, “Credit to the way the bowlers bowled, Anrich is not there but Ishant is leading the pack with Khaleel. And Kuldeep and Axar as well have been brilliant. It is all about momentum, we are finding the right balance at the right time. Now we go to Chennai and try to get a performance there.”
--By A Cricket Correspondent
