KL Rahul turned on the brilliance in Dubai as Kings XI Punjab handed Royal Challengers Bangalore a comprehensive thrashing in the IPL on Thursday.
It was a captain’s knock from Rahul who smashed an unbeaten 132 off just 69 deliveries to power KXIP to a commanding total of 206-3. With the first century of the edition, Rahul helped himself to the highest innings by an Indian batsman in the history of the IPL.
South Africa veteran Dale Steyn had a horrendous evening, with the pacer leaking as many as 57 runs in his wicketless four overs.
In response, Bangalore quickly engineered themselves out of the chase after a disastrous start in the powerplay. RCB lost three wickets in as many overs as Kings XI’s pacers found their radar instantly. Windies quick Sheldon Cottrell was the pick of the lot with two early breakthroughs, including that of Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli.
After being reduced to 4-3, RCB never recovered before eventually being bowled out for just 109 runs. Young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with three wickets, as did Murugan Ashwin.
