Kings XI Punjab 7/188 def. Gujarat 7/162
Another emphatic cameo from captain Glen Maxwell (31 off 18) has helped Kings XI Punjab claim an important win. He followed on from an impressive knock from South African Hashim Amla (65 off 40) to open the innings. Aussie Shaun Marsh also made a contribution, making 30 before being removed by fellow countryman Andrew Tye (2/35).
#IPL Match 26: @lionsdenkxip 188/7 beat @TheGujaratLions 162/7 by 26 runs. Relive the game - https://t.co/Ey3yg47fxS #GLvKXIP pic.twitter.com/ATX9GbJ9C3
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 23, 2017
Gujarat struggled at the beginning of the chase, losing openers Brendon McCullum (6) and Aaron Finch (13) cheaply. A fantastic knock from Dinesh Karthik (58*), and a late cameo from Andrew Tye (22 off 12) gave the Lions hope, but it was not enough. It is the fifth loss so far for the Brad Hodge coached side.
Kolkata 131 (19.3 overs) def. Bangalore 49 (9.4 overs)
One of the most surprising results and performances in the IPL to date. Kolkata batted first and limped to a total of 131. Sunil Narine opened the batting and top scored with 34 off 17. Yuzvendra Chahal was the best of the Bangalore bowlers, taking 3/16 off 4 overs.
However, the big surprise of the game was the Royal Challenger's batting effort. With Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers all inside the top four of the order, big things are always expected. On this occassion though, Kohli went for a golden duck off the bowling of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Gayle was dismissed for 7 off 17, and the Aussie quick struck again, removing de Villiers for 8.
So, bowlers do still win matches #KKRvRCB
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) April 23, 2017
The rest of the Bangalore side collapsed, with not one player reaching double digits. Nathan Coulter-Nile led the attack, taking 3/21 off 3 overs, while fellow international players Chris Woakes (3/6 off 2 overs) and Colin de Grandhomme (3/4 off 1.4 overs) were also fantastic.
Nathan Coulter-Nile's devastating opening spell was key to our win, his 2nd Man of the Match in only his 3rd game for us. #AmiKKR #KKRvRCB pic.twitter.com/FKUW5DlrgD
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 23, 2017
The loss puts RCB at the bottom of the table, now a big chance on missing out on the playoffs. With the calibre of players at there disposal, very few would have predicted this outcome.