Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bagged two crucial points to stay alive in the tournament, as they beat Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by ten wickets at the Holkar Stadium, Indore.
As a result, RCB will have now ten points from 12 games and will stay in contention for the playoffs. Meanwhile, batting first, Punjab got off to a flier, courtesy KL Rahul (21) taking his team 36 runs with five overs. He was hitting the ball brilliantly, as he struck three sixes but departed shortly.
Since his departure, it was almost a landslide for the Punjab batting, as they gave away their wickets.
However, Bangalore bowlers were of top-class, as they put to rest all the speculations regarding their bowling attack.
Although Aaron Finch (23) tried to hold one end, he ran out of partners. Led by Umesh Yadav (three for 23) all the bowlers chipped in with crucial contributions, as they contained Punjab to 88 runs.
Yuzvendra Chahal‘s (one for 6) return to form will be a huge boost for the Bangalore side, as the tournament approaches its business end. Chahal, however, has had a topsy-turvy season so far and will look to continue this form.
Moeen Ali has also made an early mark in the tournament, as eight Punjab batsmen failed to touch the double-digit mark. There has been a lot of talk about Punjab’s middle-order, and it got exposed in the business end of the tournament.
In reply, however, it was a cakewalk for the visitors. The opening batsmen had a good time in the middle, as they chased down the target within 8.1 overs.
Parthiv Patel (40*) got some time in the middle which will boost his confidence ahead of the next game. Moreover, skipper Virat Kohli continued his run-scoring spree, as he took his team home.
He remained unbeaten on 48 runs from 28 deliveries including six boundaries and two sixes to take his team over the rope. Meanwhile, this is the first time RCB have managed to win back to back games since winning five in a trot leading to 2016 final.
A week ago it seemed as if KXIP and Kolkata Knight Riders will have an easy claim to the 3rd and 4th spot. But the backbenchers (Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians & RCB) have finally started to show their true colours and are now seriously threatening to oust both.
Brief Score: KXIP 88 (Umesh Yadav 3/23) lost to RCB 92/0 (Kohli 48*) by 10 wickets
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