Chris Gayle plays another blinder of an innings. The Royal Challengers Bangalore looked to be in dire straits at 25-3, with Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli and Saurabh Tiwary back in the pavilion very early. It was up to Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers to re construct the innings and steady the ship while keeping in mind the growing run rate requirement.
These two master players starred in a 131 run partnership and did so in style scoring at a very brisk rate. Chris Gayle scored 87 of 56 balls and AB de Villiers scored 52 in 39 balls. The chase was a controlled one where they slow and steadily went at the required rate.
Gayle was also the man of the match, hitting the maximum number of sixes as well. He said it was difficult after losing wickets around me. He also was impressed by the way AB played and supported him. In a jovial mood, he mentioned he was happy that he did not end up hitting any person in the stands. He was in a very good mood cracking a few jokes and smiling around, very different from his personality.
Chris Gayle’s deserved to hit the winning runs but his innings was halted by arguably what was the best diving catch thus far in the Indian Premier League season 5 taken by David Hussey.
Chris and AB played a perfect game with no undue risks. If the run rate went up, they both hit a few sixes and fours and got it back under control.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore will play the Rajasthan Royals next and will hope to play well and get back to back wins. The team is picking up the momentum at the right time.
