Gayle storm blows away Kolkata
Opening batsman propels Bangalore to convincing win in IPL.
Gayle, who hit a whirlwind 92 in his opening match at the IPL, was back to his best after two lean games. PHOTO: BCCI
Chris Gayle showed why he is the centre of attraction, in any format, as he plundered a 50-ball 85 to help Royal Challengers Bangalore to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The home fans got to see the West Indies international in full flow as the opener cracked nine sixes and four boundaries, taking his side past the finish line – a target of 155 – in the 18th over.
Despite the dismissal of Mayank Agarwal in the third over, Bangalore were never in an uncomfortable position as Gayle made it look all too easy. The left-hander added 63 with captain Virat Kohli, who contributed a 27-ball 35, and then finished the job with a 83-run stand with AB de Villiers.
The win was Bangalore’s third in four matches of the current IPL season as they sit pretty in the league table.
Earlier, India opener and Kolkata captain Gautam Gambhir hit 59 off just 46 balls to help his side post a reasonable total.
The left-hander hit seven fours and a six in his innings but found little support from the other end as the next highest contribution came from Yusuf Pathan (27).
RP Singh impressed with the ball again, picking up three for 27.
But the day belonged to Gayle who proved his worth in the format, giving fans plenty to cheer about.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 12th, 2013.