De Villiers, Gayle shine in Royal Challengers' impressive win

Riding on a comprehensive performance, Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the JSCA International Stadium here Sunday.

On a low and slow track, Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers did well to restrict the famed Super Kings batting line-up to a modest 138 for four in 20 overs. Suresh Raina top scored with an unbeaten 62 while David Hussey made 25.

It was an impressive performance by the Royal Challengers bowlers and pacer Abu Nechim Ahmed was the miser of the lost giving away just 18 runs for one wicket from his four overs. Fast bowler Varun Aaron also picked up two wickets while veteran off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan did well for his 1/29.

While chasing, Chris Gayle gave a steady start with his 46 off 50 balls but it was a whirlwind knock of 28 in just 14 balls by AB de Villiers that helped Royal Challengers Bangalore surpass the target scoring 142 for five with a ball to spare.

Gayle looked never in hurry but his innings was laced with aggression as well. After the early loss of Parthiv Patel (10), Gayle and Kohli added 61-runs for the second wicket at a time when the spinners Ravichandran Ashwin (2/16) and Samuel Badree (0/15) were putting the pressure with some tight bowling. Hussey also picked up two wickets with his off-spin but conceded 38 runs.

Gayle, who hit three fours and three sixes, became Ashwin's second victim after he tried to hit the spinner out but later defended, was beaten in turn and had his off-stumps knocked back.

With the score at 110/3 in the 17th over, De Villiers took away the match from Super Kings with his explosive knock that was studded with three sixes and a four. The South African was also adjudged as Man of the Match.

Earlier in the day, Raina overcame an unimpressive start to score an unbeaten half-century that took Super Kings to a modest 138 for four. Raina struck a six and six boundaries in his 48-ball knock.

Chennai lost Dwayne Smith (9) and Brendon McCullum (19) inside five overs and it was Raina and Hussey, who got the innings back on track with a crucial 75-run stand for the third wicket.