INDORE, India, CMC – Chris Gayle’s run of recent low scores continued as Kings XI Punjab suffered a complete batting failure to go down by 10 wickets to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League here yesterday.
Sent in at Holkar Cricket Stadium, the hosts were bundled out for a paltry 88 in the 16th over, with Australian Adam Finch top-scoring with 26, opener Lokesh Rahul getting 21 and Gayle, 18.
Kings XI were 41 for one in the fifth over at one stage before losing their last nine wickets for 47 runs in quick time with fast bowler Umesh Yadav finishing with three for 23 from four overs.
Gayle faced 14 balls and counted four fours, adding 36 for the first wicket with Rahul, before attempting to pull Yadav and falling to a catch at deep square.
The West Indies star struck a hundred and three half-centuries in his first five innings but has managed only 48 runs from his last four innings.
In reply, captain Virat Kohli stroked an unbeaten 48 from 28 deliveries and opening partner, Parthiv Patel 40 not out, to easily see off RCB’s target.
Kings XI are fifth on 12 points and RCB, one from bottom of the eight-team table on 10 points, with both still in contention for a spot in the playoffs.