A record-breaking partnership that redefined T20 dominance
On May 10, 2015, the Wankhede Stadium buzzed with excitement as Mumbai Indians faced off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a much-anticipated IPL showdown. But what unfolded was far from the expected battle; it became a celebration of batting brilliance.
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Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers teamed up for a jaw-dropping 215-run partnership, the second-highest ever in the IPL. Batting first, RCB raced to an impressive 235/1 in just 20 overs, with the two cricketing legends turning the Mumbai bowling attack into mere spectators. It was a masterclass in shot selection and fearless play, leaving fans in awe and craving more.
After Chris Gayle’s early dismissal for just 13 runs, Mumbai might have felt they could contain RCB. But Kohli and De Villiers had other ideas. Kohli started off quietly, deftly rotating the strike and showcasing his trademark wristy flicks to keep the scoreboard moving. Meanwhile, De Villiers came alive, unleashing a flurry of strokes that only he could conjure.
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By the time the 10th over wrapped up, RCB had notched up 100 runs, with De Villiers racing to a stunning half-century in just 29 balls. The duo displayed superb tactical skill, punishing every loose delivery while maintaining their momentum.
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De Villiers was in a league of his own, dazzling fans as he skillfully outplayed the bowlers with his unique shot selection. He reached his century in a blistering 47 balls, marking one of the quickest in IPL history. His unbeaten 133 off just 59 deliveries boasted 19 fours and 4 sixes, achieving an astonishing strike rate of 225.42. This knock was not only his highest IPL score but also the fastest century of the 2015 season.
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De Villiers took on famed bowlers like Lasith Malinga, Mitchell McClenaghan, and Jasprit Bumrah, making even the best look ordinary. A standout moment came in the 17th over when he unleashed a thunderous 25 runs off Bumrah, including two sixes and three boundaries, perfectly capturing his incredible performance.
De Villiers stole the spotlight while Kohli stood strong beside him, scoring 82 runs off just 50 balls and becoming only the fifth player to reach 5,000 IPL runs. Though his innings didn’t shine as brightly as De Villiers’ explosive knock, Kohli’s ability to stabilize and pick up the pace at crucial moments was vital to their success.
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Kohli reached fifty in 39 balls, stepping up his game in the tense final overs. He smashed 6 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his elegant cover drives and sharp placement. Together, they added 75 runs in the last five overs, propelling their score to a daunting total. By the end, Kohli and De Villiers had set a remarkable standard for partnership in T20 cricket.
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Mumbai Indians put up a strong fight, led by Lendl Simmons with 68 runs and Kieron Pollard smashing 49 off just 24 balls. However, chasing down a daunting target of 236 was always going to be a challenge. Despite some explosive batting, they ended at 196 for 7, falling short by 39 runs. RCB truly dominated this game, marking it as one of the most memorable batting displays in IPL history.
Even ten years on, Kohli and De Villiers’ 215-run partnership stands out as one of the fiercest in IPL history. It was more than just a score—it showcased their fierce intention and transformed the way batters could take charge against a bowling attack.
