Kohli 113 flattens Punjab

Virat Kohli scored his fourth century of the season as Royal Challengers Bangalore thrashed bottom-placed Kings XI Punjab by 82 runs in Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-truncated IPL clash yesterday.

Kohli smashed 113 off 50 balls to become the first batsman to score more than 800 runs in a single edition as RCB posted 211 for three in 15 overs. His tally stands at 865 runs from 13 matches. Kohli, who had sustained multiple stitches due to his split webbing on left hand during the last match against Kolkata Knight Riders, gestured at it once he reached the three-figure landmark in the 14th over.

Chris Gayle added 73 off 32 balls opening alongside Kohli in the 15-overs affair.

In reply, Kings XI Punjab reached 120 losing nine wickets in 14 overs when rain re-intervened to end the game. RCB's leg-break bowler Yuzvendra Chahal broke Punjab's backbone, taking four wickets for 25 runs. Wriddhiman Saha was the only notable scorer for Kings XI Punjab, with a 10-ball 24.

SCORES IN BRIEF

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE: 211 for 3 In 15 overs (Kohli 113, Gayle 73; Sharma 1-29)

KINGS XI PUNJAB: 120 for 9 in 14 overs (Saha 24; Chahal 4-25, Watson 2-7)

Result: RCB won by 82 runs (D/L method)