AB takes RCB to IPL final

AB de Villiers played a breathtaking knock to singlehandedly lead Royal Challengers Bangalore fight back and takes them into the Indian Premier League final with a thrilling four-wicket win over Gujarat Lions on Tuesday.

Chasing 159, RCB looked down and out at 29 for five before De Villiers smashed 79 off 47 balls to script a sensational comeback and take the team home in 18.2 overs.

The Lions were outdone by one man's class as the efforts of Dhawal Kulkarani and Dwayne Smith went in vain.

With the spectacular win, RCB are into their third IPL final and one step away from their maiden title. Lions on other hand will have another chance to make the summit clash in the Qualifier 2 in Delhi on Friday.

SCORES IN BRIEF
GUJARAT: 158 all out in 20 overs (Karthik 26, Smith 73, Dwivedi 19, Kulkarni 10; Abdulla 2-38, Watson 4-29, Jordan 2-26)
BANGALORE: 159 for 6 in 18.2 overs (Gayle 9, De Villiers 79 not out, Binny 21, Abdulla 33 not out; Kulkarni 4-14, Jadeja 2-21)  
Result: Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 4 wickets.
Player-of-the-match: AB de Villiers.