Pietersen made the low total look all the more paltry with an aggressive approach that saw him take 18 runs off a single Kamran Khan over. The innings included 10 fours and two sixes.
Robin Uthappa offered the support role with a composed 26 but it was Pietersen’s knock that snatched any hopes of a Rajasthan victory. Earlier, the Bangalore bowlers set up the foundation for a one-sided win.
Seamers Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis and Pankaj Singh contained and dismissed Rajasthan’s toporder, which failed miserably. Adam Voges (28) and Abhishek Raut (32) added 58 for the seventh wicket but were a little too late to stop Bangalore’s march to victory. Singh finished with two for 27 but it was Steyn who caused the biggest blow with the prized-wicket of Yusuf Pathan for nine as he finished with one for 15 in four economical overs.
Bangalore now sit pretty at second place with seven victories in 13 matches and one match to go for them before the final four spots are decided. Rajasthan’s loss pushed them to fifth place with six wins and seven losses. Mumbai Indians are the only team so far to qualify for the semi-finals.
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