Dharamsala, May 17 -- Explosive half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a massive 222/4 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday.

While Kohli scripted history with his record-extending ninth 500-plus IPL season, Venkatesh's unbeaten 73 ensured the defending champions posted a daunting total.

Asked to bat first, Bengaluru got off to a steady start, reaching 17 without loss after two overs. The opening stand was broken in the third over when Punjab's left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar dismissed Jacob Bethell for 11 with a sharp delivery.

Despite the early setback, Virat Kohli a...