Punjab’s win in lost cause dents Bangalore’s IPL play-offs hopes

Kings XI Punjab found their third win of the campaign in a lost cause but dented Royal Challengers Bangalore’s bid to move into the top four in a shortened game at Mohali.

As rains cut into three hours of play, promoted opener Wridhiman Saha got Punjab to a perfect start with 31 runs in 12 balls and posted 106 for six in the revised 10-over innings.

Bangalore’s Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers got into double digits but gave away their wickets that derailed their chase as Punjab won by 22 runs.

Punjab remained at the foot of the standings with six points from 13 matches despite the win. Bangalore stayed at the fifth spot with 13 points from 12 matches.

Bangalore sent their two destructive batsmen West Indian Gayle and Kohli to open the innings.

They began briskly picking up boundaries at every possible opportunity. But Kohli (19) in the third over was dismissed in trying to force the pace.

Gayle (17) soon followed his captain getting caught while trying a big shot to reduce Bangalore to 44 for two in 4.4 overs.

With two of their best ball-bashers gone, the onus was on another renowned power hitter South African AB de Villiers (10) to lead Bangalore’s cause. But he departed early too putting Bangalore in a spot of bother at 67 for three in 6.4 overs.

Earlier, wicketkeeper-batsman Saha was promoted and he opened with Manan Vohra, who scored 11 in six balls.

Saha made most of the opportunity of batting up the order, hitting 31 in just 12 balls. His knock included five fours and a six.

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