IPL: Five highest team totals
Earlier, I had written an article looking at the five lowest team totals in IPL history. It was a shock to see the Royal Challengers Bangalore feature twice, with their 49 against the Kolkata Knight Riders being the lowest in IPL history. It is only fair, therefore, to restore Bangalore to their rightful position by looking at the five highest team totals in IPL history.
Indeed, Bangalore feature three times on this list, while the Chennai Super Kings feature twice as well. From 49 all out to 263/5, Bangalore never cease to entertain fans.
#5 Royal Challengers Bangalore - 235/1 vs Mumbai Indians
Contests between RCB and the Mumbai Indians are always entertaining, as both sides possess a plethora of talented batsmen. There was an incredible 431 runs scored between the two teams in this clash in 2015.
Bangalore won the toss and elected to bat, sending out openers Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli. Gayle was dismissed early on, in just the fourth over, with Bangalore on 20-1 after 3.1 overs. However, Kohli and number three AB de Villiers put on a huge 215 run partnership. It was a tough day to be a bowler, as these two incredible batsmen staged a batting masterclass.
de Villiers, in particular, was imperious, hitting a rapid century off just 47 balls. The South African star finished on 133* (59) at a strike rate of over 225. Kohli ended up on 82* (50) and these two batsmen between them hit 25 fours and 8 sixes. Jasprit Bumrah struggled with the ball, ending with figures of 4-0-52-0.
Mumbai put up a valiant effort as they reached 196/7 in their twenty overs. Lendl Simmons, who opened the batting, carried his bat with a slow 68* and was supported by 49 (24) from fellow West Indian Kieron Pollard. However, they still ended 39 runs short as Bangalore cruised to a decisive victory.