With some superb hitting by Harshal Patel and Kyle Jamieson, RCB had slim hopes. But a brilliant diving catch by Ravi Bishnoi ended it. RCB lost by 34 runs, handing Punjab two important points giving them something to cheer about.
It started with Devdutt Padikkal’s wicket, with Virat Kohli (35 off 34, 4×3, 6×1) and Rajat Patidar (31 off 30) trying to steady the RCB ship. Once Kohli was consumed by Harpreet Brar in 11th over, it started a mini-collapse in RCB.
Maxwell bowled by Brar for a first-ball duck, De Villers caught on three, Brar ensured RCB wasn’t in the hunt. RCB losing wickets in clusters brought back scenes of past seasons. At this RCB were 69-4, still needing 111 in a chase of 180. With little resistance from Harshal Patel and Kyle Jamieson, it was always out of reach.
Earlier Royal Challengers Banglore won the toss and opted to bowl first. Punjab Kings ended their innings at 179/5, courtesy of some brilliant hitting by KL Rahul – 91 off 57 balls (4×7, 6×6). Gayle came into his own with 46 off 24 (4×6, 6×2) with an SR of 191. Mini middle-order collapse saw Pooran and Shahrukh Khan get out on ducks, respectively, and Deepak Hooda scoring five off nine deliveries. Cameo by Punjab-born Harpreet Brar, 25 off 17 (4×1, 6×2) saw PBKS cross 175 marks.
Current purple cap holder Harshal Patel wasn’t spared, 53 runs 4 over, went wicketless. Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers with 32 runs in 3 overs, 2 wickets. Daniel Sams kept it tidy 24 runs for 4 overs and one important wicket of Gayle.
Player of the Match – for his all-round performance – Harpreet Brar
After this match RCB are in third position and PBKS in fifth place.
