De Villiers' masterclass not enough for RCB as Kings XI coast to victory
An extraordinary innings from the fit-again AB de Villiers proved in vain on Monday as Kings XI Punjab made it two wins from two in the Indian Premier League with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore.
De Villiers, who replaced Chris Gayle on his return from a back injury, moved into overdrive in the closing stages of RCB's innings to finish unbeaten on 89 from 46 balls with nine sixes, his last 58 runs coming from just 18 deliveries.
However, Bangalore were still only able to post 148-4, having made painfully slow progress up until the 17th over, and that total was comfortably overhauled by the Kings XI.
Hashim Amla underpinned a successful chase with 58 not out from 38 deliveries, while Glenn Maxwell's 22-ball 43 ensured victory was secured with more than five overs unused.
Both Amla and Maxwell were dropped, on 20 and 13 respectively, as the Royal Challengers delivered a disappointing display in the field.
There was plenty to admire in the work of the Kings XI's unbeaten batsmen, who each cleared the ropes on at least three occasions, while Manan Vohra also impressed at the top of the order with 34 from 21 balls.
However, the standout performance of the match undoubtedly came in a losing cause as De Villiers demonstrated why he is viewed as one of the world's leading limited-overs batsmen.
Boooooom seriously amazing striking @ABdeVilliers17 best in the business
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) April 10, 2017
The 33-year-old was initially forced to rein in his attacking instincts as Bangalore slumped to 22-3 amid fine bowling from Axar Patel (1-12), Sandeep Sharma (1-26) and Varun Aaron (2-21).
Mandeep Singh hung around to make 28 before falling to a superb diving catch from wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, running back towards the boundary, off Aaron.
De Villiers then launched a devastating assault in the company of Stuart Binny (18 not out), striking a series of enormous maximums over midwicket and long-off to ensure Bangalore took 68 from the last four overs, having made just 80 runs in the previous 16.