Punjab Kings defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by 34 runs in Ahmedabad. Batting first, Punjab Kings made 179-5 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply of the target of 180, Royal Challengers Bangalore could only make 145-8. This score was possible only due to some lusty blows at the end by Harshal Patel, as at one stage, Bangalore were down and out at 96-7.
The main architect behind the victory of Punjab Kings was the left arm off spinner, Harpreet Brar. His blows in the middle overs choked the momentum out of Bangalore’s innings. The tweaker took 3 wickets in his quota of 4 overs, giving just 19 runs and even bowled a maiden.
His first victim was the skipper of Bangalore, Virat Kohli. It was the 11th over of the innings and Bangalore were looking to increase the run rate after a subdued start to their innings.
On the first ball of the over, Kohli tried to come down the track and flick the bowler into leg side. However, the ball stayed low and went past Kohli’s attempted shot, to crash in the leg stump. The batsman was totally surprised by the delivery. Consequently, he had to leave for the pavilion. Kohli made 35 runs in 34 balls.
It was on the next ball that, Brar struck a vicious blow to chances of Bangalore. Glenn Maxwell came to bat at number four. He was the danger man for Punjab as few overs of hitting by him could have changed the game, totally.
Rookie picks 3 big wickets
However, Brar nailed him the next ball. It was short of a length delivery as Maxwell tried to carve it into the off side. But, the ball turned more than he expected, and took the edge, while settling into the hands of wicket keeper. Hence, Maxwell was gone for a golden duck. Also, It sparked a massive celebration from the youngster Brar.
Harpreet wasn’t done yet. In the 13th over of the innings, he killed the chase for RCB. On the first ball of the over, AB De Villiers tried to chip a ball over extra cover. But, he was beaten in flight and gave a simple catch to the fielder at short covers. Moreover, AB was the last hope for RCB and his departure meant, the game was finished for Bangalore.
Watch the video of all 3 dismissals here:
