Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Riding on a brilliant bowling effort, Royal Challengers Bangalore dismissed Kings XI Punjab for a paltry 88 in a must-win clash.

Asked to bat first on track which witnessed more than 450 runs being scored in the last game, the Kings XI made a disastrous start. Even before they could cross the 50-run mark, their top-order was back in the hut.

KL Rahul and Chris Gayle started the proceedings on a decent note by adding 36 runs for the first wicket. However, the floodgates opened once Rahul departed, falling to Umesh Yadav. 5 runs later, Yadav struck again to remove Gayle. With both the in-form openers back in the pavilion, the onus was on Kings XI’s fragile middle-order to bail the team out of trouble. However, the middle-order once again failed to deliver the goods.

Mohammed Siraj sent back Karun Nair for 1 before Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Marcus Stoinis for two. Colin de Grandhomme then firmly put the Royal Challengers on top by dismissing Mayank Agarwal for 2 and reducing the hosts to 61 for 5. At the end of the tenth over, the Kings XI were reeling at 65 for 5.

Kings XI’s hopes of recovering and posting a good total then took another huge blow when Moeen Ali dismissed Aaron Finch to reduce them to 78 for 6. The hosts kept on losing wickets and were eventually bundled up for a below-par total.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the innings:

Surya kumar and Ishan. Surya kumar and Rohit. Gayle and Rahul. Mayank, Finch and Yuvi. Batsmen Umesh has dismissed in one over this season. #KXIPvRCB

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 14, 2018

After Watching #RCB bowling #KXIPvRCB pic.twitter.com/XfaYbOq51n

— Rishabh Srivastava (@AskRishabh) May 14, 2018

Punjab's performance so far tonite has been without tadka. Where had the earlier elan vanished?

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 14, 2018

Dear #RCB, you’re like the girl who breaks up with you on New Years but gives you a missed call on Valentines Day. #keepinghopealive #stillloveyou #thishurts @RCBTweets #KXIPvRCB

— Nikhil Chinapa (@nikhilchinapa) May 14, 2018

#KXIPvRCB Delhi Daredevils watching KKR, KXIP, RCB, RR and MI struggling for last 2 places in the playoff ? pic.twitter.com/7FHDygB3OM

— Troll Hub (@tejasarcasm) May 14, 2018

What a fiery spell of fast bowling by Umesh??? In a batsman favouring format, these are a delight to watch #KXIPvRCB

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) May 14, 2018

Looking at the way they have been batting, what was the harm in playing @YUVSTRONG12 ? Punjab has become just a 2-batsmen team now #KXIPvRCB

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) May 14, 2018

Brilliant captaincy from Kohli. Was so easy to hold Umesh back after his first couple of overs. He didn't. Gave him an extra over and Umesh removed both danger men. #KXIPvRCB

— Abhishek (@Sajjanlaunda) May 14, 2018

Much-needed litmus test for #KXIP. Their over-reliance on Rahul and Gayle will be put to test now. The fact that they have a feeble middle-order is undeniable. Interesting match on cards! #KXIPvRCB

— Surendhar MK (@SurendharMK) May 14, 2018

47/3 In 6 Overs. Why Is #RCB Behaving Like #SRH? What's Wrong With Umesh Yadav? #KXIPvRCB #KXIPvsRCB

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) May 14, 2018

Umesh Express has derailed #KXIP’s hopes of posting a huge total…loved the way he’s bowled in the power-play overs this #IPL. Pace and control. #KXIPvRCB

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 14, 2018

Mayank Agarwal continues to piss over the hardwork he did during the domestic season with soft dismissals in IPL.

— Shubh AggarWall (@shubh_chintak) May 14, 2018