Chris Gayle (left) and KL Rahul
Chris Gayle (left) and KL Rahul of Kings XI Punjab are seen in the middle during the match. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI

Gayle, Rahul help Kings XI Punjab to a valuable win

Dubai: Chris Gayle, the ‘Universe Boss,’ announced his arrival in style with a 53 as he and KL Rahul (61 not out) took Kings XI Punjab over the line by eight wickets against Royal Challengers Punjab in their IPL match in Sharjah.

After restricting the powerful RCB batting line-up to 171 for six, the in-form openers Rahul and Mayank Agarwal (45) gave Punjab a flying start by putting 78. Gayle, who hasn’t held a bat since playing in the Bangladesh Premier League in January, had a tentative start before opening out – his innings being studded with five sixes and a four.

There was some last-minute drama with Gayle getting run out in the last over and new batsman Nicholas Pooran coming in with still a run to get off the last over against Yuzvendra Chahal. The West Indian kept his nerves to finish the chase with a six.

Earlier, a late blitz in the last two overs by Chris Morris (25 off eight balls) and Isuru Udana propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore to a challenging total of 171 for six wickets. Skipper Virat Kohli was his enterprising self to score 48 off 39 balls while AB de Villiers (2) failed coming in at No.6 – both falling to Mohammad Shami in one over.

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Relive the match as it happened...




Chris Gayle of Kings XI Punjab plays a shot.
Chris Gayle of Kings XI Punjab plays a shot. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI





Mayank Agarwal of Kings XI Punjab is bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal
Mayank Agarwal of Kings XI Punjab is bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI





Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul plays a shot.
Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul plays a shot. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI



Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal of Kings XI Punjab bats during the match. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI




Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami of Kings XI Punjab celebrates the wicket of AB de Villiers of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI





Chris Jordan of Kings XI Punjab bowls during the match.
Chris Jordan of Kings XI Punjab bowls during the match. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI


Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, bats during the match. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI




Kings X1 Punjab players
Kings X1 Punjab players celebrate the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI




Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli
Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli (left) with KL Rahul, captain of Kings XI Punjab, see during the toss at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI












Sharjah Cricket Stadium
General view of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, just before the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Kings XI Punjab. Image Credit: Sportzpics for BCCI

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