IPL 2021: Harpreet, Bishnoi spin web as Punjab Kings defeat RCB by 34 runs

Pic/AFP

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul fired with the bat before Harpreet Brar and Ravi Bishnoi picked three and two wickets each to help Punjab Kings register a thumping 34-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday.

Chris Gayle had blasted five fours in six balls before KL Rahulchanged gears in the death overs to steer Punjab Kings to 179/5. In reply, RCB was only able to score 145/8, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance from Harpreet and Bishnoi.

Harpreet picked three key wickets for Punjab Kings as he dismissed Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and AB de Villiers after shining with the bat. He had played an important cameo alongside skipper Rahul to help the side finish their innings on a high.

Chasing 180, RCB got off to a bad start as in form opener Devdutt Padikkal was removed by Riley Meredith in the third over. However, skipper Kohli and Rajat Patidar then carried RCB to 36/1 at the end of the powerplay.

The duo continued to score at a brisk rate as RCB reached 62 runs at the halfway mark. Harpreet removed both Kohli and Maxwell on consecutive balls to put RCB on the backfoot.