Royal Challengers Bangalore proved once again what a powerful batting line-up they have at their disposal as they chased down Kolkata Knight Riders’ imposing total with eight balls to spare at Eden Gardens.
Chris Gayle battled form issues and opening partner Virat Kohli struggled with a split webbing, but they still put together 75 runs in just 7.3 overs to set up what had looked to be a “tricky” run chase, according to the Bangalore captain.
Gayle, whose contribution during this Indian Premier League (IPL) season had been just 13 runs, came out with much to prove. He delivered in style, hitting four sixes and five fours before being trapped lbw by Sunil Narine for a 31-ball 49.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THE INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE
Kohli, who had been more circumspect of the two players, then opened up to play an array of brilliant strokes in the company of, who else, AB de Villiers.
Both batsmen went on to hit the same number of sixes and fours – three and five – to take their team home, with Kohli getting 75 and De Villiers managing 59.
It was another win under pressure, as Bangalore kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the play-offs. But it was the relative ease with which all three batsmen scored their runs that will worry their opponents.
The secret of their success so far has been the fact they enjoy batting in these situations.
“You asked me two games back how we love the situation we find ourselves in, and I told you we love it,” Kohli said at the presentation ceremony.
He conceded, though, that there was still work to be done as they have two more matches to play and win. “There is no room for errors,” the India Test captain added. “We have momentum at the right time now. We just want to continue it.”
There seems little doubt Bangalore are peaking at this point.
Follow us on twitter at @NatSportUAE
