Gayle smashes 99 but King's X1 Punjab lose IPL encounter

Despite an unbeaten 99 from Jamaican Chris Gayle, his team the King’s XI Punjab went down by eight wickets to his former team the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. Gayle struck 10 fours and 5 sixes in his knock as the King’s XI posted a competitive 173-4 from their 20 overs. 

Another West Indian Nicholas Pooran did not bat. Led by half centuries from Virat Kohli 67 and AB De Villiers 59 not out, RCB reached 174-2 with 4 balls to spare. This was RCB's first win from 7 games while Kings XI remain fifth on 8 points, the same as the second place team. Meanwhile, Oshane Thomas' Rajasthan Royals defeated Kieron Pollard and Alzarri Joseph's Mumbai Indians by four wickets to record their second win. Pollard contributed 6 in Mumbai's 187-5 as Quinton de Kock top-cored with 81. 

Alzarri Joseph went wicketless from his 3 overs conceding 53 including 28 in an over to Jos Butler as the Royals cruised to 188-for 6 with three balls to spare. Butler top-scored with 89 while Thomas is yet to taste action in the competition.