IPL 2017: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Lions: Gayle power puts RCB back on track, GL suffer fourth consecutive defeat

Royal Challengers Bangalore's four-match losing streak came to an end in style against the Gujarat Lions at the Rajkot stadium on Tuesday thanks to explosive innings by openers Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli. 

The batting exploits by the duo set the path for a mountainous target of 213 runs for the home team.

The visitors won by 21 runs in a match that saw swashbuckling Gayle reaching a historic milestone as he became the first cricketer by completing 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. 

The feat provided enough confidence to the West Indian to smash 77 runs off just 38 balls with the help of five boundaries and seven towering sixes. Captain Virat Kohli too showed tremendous batting skills in his 64-run knock in 50 balls.

Read | Chris Gayle becomes first batsman to annex 10000 run mark in T20 cricket 

After the initial fireworks, Kedar Jadhav rose to the occasion and made a quickfire 38 in just 16 balls. 

Chasing a daunting target, Gujarat Lions suffered two early blows in form of Dwayne Smith and captain Suresh Raina.

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However, a power-packed 72-run knock by Brandon McCullum kept their hopes alive till the 15th over when Chahal managed get rid of him.

After that, the team found it difficult to keep up the momentum due to sky-high asking rate and succumbed under pressure. This is Gujarat Lions fouth consecutive defeat.

(More details awaited)

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