Punjab Kings (PBKS) kept their IPL 2022 playoffs hopes alive as the Mayank Agarwal-led side thrashed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 54 runs on Friday.
Chasing a massive 210-run target, Bangalore were off to a poor start as they lost three wickets in the powerplay. Virat Kohli looked in good touch but failed to capitalise on a good start.
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Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell, then, tried to steer RCB's innings with a 68-run stand for the 4th wicket. But both got perished under the scoreboard pressure. Punjab bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals as Bangalore managed to score only 155-9 in 20 overs.
Earlier, Bairstow lit up the Brabourne Stadium with his powerful hits and stitched a 60-run opening stand with Shikhar Dhawan. Despite losing wickets from the other end, the Englishman continued to find boundaries with ease before Shahbaz Ahmed ended his innings of 29-ball-66 in the 10th over. With the stage set for a big total, Liam Livingstone went hammer & tongs from the first ball. His 42-ball-70 propelled Punjab to 209-9.
For RCB, death over specialist Harshal Patel (4/34) and spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (2/15) were the top bowlers.
1st innings: Brief Score: Punjab Kings 209 for 9 in 20 overs (Liam Livingstone 70, Jonny Bairstow 66; Harshal Patel 4/34 , Wanindu Hasaranga 2/15) Royal Challengers Bangalore 155 for 9 in 20 overs (Glenn Maxwell 35, Rajat Patidar 26; Kagiso Rabada 3/21)