Gayle, Kohli power RCB to 213 for 2 against Gujarat Lions

Photo: (BCCI)

New Delhi: Chris Gayle’s record-breaking knock and a sparkling half-century by Virat Kohli propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore to a mammoth 213 for 2 against Gujarat Lions in Rajkot.

Replacing the injured AB de Villiers, Gayle made the most of a flat track with a swashbuckling innings of 77 off just 38 balls. This was his first half-century in this season of IPL and it was a memorable one as Gayle became the first cricketer to get to 10,000 runs in T20.

Put in to bat, RCB were off to a flier, thanks to brutal hitting by Gayle, well supported by captain Virat Kohli. It was actually Kohli who started the onslaught by some well timed shots off both front and back foot. Gayle joined the action soon and it was the eighth over of the innings that signaled Gayle’s return to form. The West Indian six hitting machine hit Jadeja for 2 sixes and as many fours to take 21 runs off the over. 

The story could have different had McCullum’s hat did not touch the boundary rope while rolling over after completing a spectacular one-handed catch in the last ball of the Jadeja over.

Gayle carried on with the momentum to hits 4 more sixes in the next four overs before missing a low toss off Basil Thampi and being adjudged LBW for 77. 

Kohli , who was playing a supporting role at the other end reached yet another half-century. He was finally out after scoring 64 off 50 balls.

Kedar Jadhav and Travis Head provided the icing on the cake by playing brilliant cameos that pushed the RCB total over 200.

Jadhav remained unbeaten on 38 off 16 and Travis made his mark with a 30 off 16 balls.

Gujarat Lions bowling attack again came under scanner. Their most experienced bowler Ravindra Jadeja was taken to the cleaners. He gave away 57 runs in his 4 overs.