Royal Challengers Bangalore can learn a lot from Kings XI Punjab about putting up a fight. After posting a significant low total, the visitors defended it with all their heart to condemn the home side to an embarrassing 19-run defeat (their 9th in 12 matches). With this victory Kings XI is in the hunt for a playoff spot.

RCB, which is already on its knees failed to chase 139. The team limped to 119 all out at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Friday. Kings XI pacer Sandeep Sharma with his inclusive swing bowling took down the RCB’s “Big Three” - Chris Gayle, Virat Kholi and Ab De Villiers within the first five over of the innings.

Mandeep Singh (46 off 40 balls) and Pawab Begi (21 off 23 balls) put some struggle for the home side, but with half of the team returned back to pavilion within 11 overs, there was only going to be one winner.

Earlier, RCB won the toss and chose to field first. Punjab failed to make an impact in the game until Azar Patel (38 off 17 balls) took the score to 138/7 by the end of the innings.

Patel came at No.7 after Punjab captain Glenn Maxwell departed at 78/5. Patel played sensibly before hitting 19 runs off the final over off Shane Watson.

Choudhary dismissed Hasim Amla in the opening over of the day. Soon his opening partner Martin Guptpil followed his team mate Amla to the pavilion after miscuing a Sreenath Arvind delivery.

RCB wicket keeper Kedar Jadhav, missed a stumping opportunity in the Arvind’s first over, which was the 10th wicket of the innings, handing Wriddhiman Saha a reprieve. The wicket keeper helped Kings XI a lot as lacking confidence, the youngster leaked eight byes off Chahal an over later.

AMandeep