BRC v KXP, IPL Match 25, Bangalore: Kings XI beat Royal Challengers by six wickets

May 05, 2008

Kings XI Punjab registered their fifth consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL), defeating Bangalore Royal Challengers comprehensively by six wickets in a round robin match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore.
After bowling out Royal Challengers for a paltry 126, Kings XI reached the target with 10 balls to spare. Opener Shaun Marsh (39 off 34 balls) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (31 off 29) were the main run-getters for the visitors. The duo had put the foundation for the run chase with a 54-run first-wicket partnership after James Hopes (5) was picked up by Zaheer Khan (29/2) in the second over.
However, Kings XI captain Yuvraj Singh (1) missed out once again. Medium-pacer Praveen Kumar (22/2) cut short his stay at the crease when he sneaked one off to wicketkeeper Devraj Patil. Mahela Jayawardena (17 off 22) and Irfan Pathan (17 off 17) eventually saw Kings XI home without further damage. Skipper Rahul Dravid, with 66, played the lone hand for Royal Challengers. Virat Kohli (34 off 36) was the other hosts' batsman to score double figures on a day where five of their batsmen failed to open their accounts.
Dravid played a captain's knock that was studded with nine fours and a lone six. He shared a crucial 54-run stand with Virat Kohli (34 off 36 balls) after the team was reduced to 15 for three in 3.3 overs. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the pick of the Kings XI bowlers, taking three wickets for 25 runs in his four overs. However, it was pacer Sreesanth (16/2) who started the demolition in the very first over. He picked up opener Wasim Jaffer (0) with a perfect away swinger in the fourth ball and then cleaned up debutant Cameron White (0) with a delivery that nipped back after pitching.
Irfan Pathan (13/1) and V R V Singh (33/1) were the other wicket-takers for the visitors.

BRC v KXP, IPL Match 25, Bangalore: Kings XI Punjab 127 for 4 in 18.2 ovs beat Bangalore Royal Challengers 126 in 19.2 ovs by 6 wickets
Bangalore Royal Challengers v Kings XI Punjab at Bangalore