MOHALI, India (CMC) – Chris Gayle flattered to deceive as his Royal Challengers Bangalore suffered a surprise defeat to bottom-of-the-table Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League here Wednesday.
Chasing 107 for victory in a game reduced to 10 overs per side because of rain at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, RCB were amazingly held to 84 for six, to stumble to their fifth loss in 12 games this season.
The left-handed Gayle made 17 from 14 balls, in adding 33 for the first wicket with captain Virat Kohli who scored 19 from nine deliveries.
Gayle looked to be in imperious form when he slammed the third ball of the innings from seamer Sandeep Sharma over long off for six, before whipping the fifth delivery of the over through square for four.
He lost Kohli in the third over, bowled by seamer Anureet Singh but then followed his partner in the fifth over, caught at the wicket off Sandeep Sharma.
Mandeep Singh top scored with 20 from 14 balls while left-arm spinner Axar Patel (2-11) and Anureet (2-21) finished with two wickets apiece.
Earlier, opener Wriddhiman Saha led Kings XI with a top score of 31 from 12 balls as the hosts rallied to 106 for six, after they were sent in.