18th May, 2012, New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bangalore claimed a huge step forward to secure a spot in the IPL playoff matches. West Indies player Chris Gayle hit 128 not out which is his highest knock in the Indian Premier League. He also grabbed the man of the match title for his performance.
Delhi Daredevils rested the South African player Morne Morkel and Virender Sehwag handed the captain’s armband to Mahela Jayawardene. With its best batsman and bowler away, Daredevils almost lost half of the battle.
Skipper Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, with 203 run partnership for the second wicket Bangalore posted 215 for one. At this point of time, one may have thought that the visitors have already won the game, but the home team responded with 194 runs with the loss of nine wickets. For Delhi, Ross Taylor scored 55 runs in just 26 balls.
The 21 run win helped Royal Challengers to be at the same spot with Chennai, but Royal Challengers have a game in hand. Now they have to win the last game to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Thirty-two year old Gayle, who hit 13 over boundaries, told, “The secret behind those sixes was good balance, and to have a pitch where the ball comes up to the bat helps. Hope I continue like this in the tournament.”
