Ravi Bopara scored 84 as Kings XI Punjab defeated Bangalore Royal Challengers by seven wickets Friday to claim their first Indian Premier League victory this season.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen was out for a duck as Bangalore made 168-9 in their 20 overs at Kingsmead and Punjab reached 173-3 with an over to spare in perfect conditions.
England right-hander Bopara struck five sixes and four fours during a 59-ball spell at the crease and skipper Yuvraj Singh (30 not out) and Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara (26) offered good support.
Punjab, losers of two rain-affected games since the IPL extravaganza began last weekend, had 52 runs on the board before losing their first wicket and reached 80-1 by the 10-over ’strategy break’.
Pietersen deployed seven bowlers, including himself, South African Jacques Kallis and Indian Anil Kumble, but they could not stem the Punjab run flow before a large crowd in the Indian Ocean city.
Kings scored 19 runs off the 16th over to swing the game decisively in their favour and when Royals finally got rid of Bopara, caught by New Zealander Jesse Ryder off the bowling of Kallis, it was far too late.
Only veteran Kumble (1-19) impressed with the ball for a Bangalore team suffering their third loss in four outings as one-wicket Kallis conceded 51 runs in four overs.
Kallis fared much better with the bat, top scoring for Royals with a 62 that included two sixes and five fours, New Zealander Ross Taylor contributed 35 and compatriot Ryder got among the runs with a brisk 32 after two ducks.
Little known South African Yusuf Abdulla (4-31) and Irfan Pathan (3-35) took the bowling honours for Punjab, who were watched by co-owner and Bollywood star Preity Zinta.
May 19, 2010 at 5:51 am
Bopara had made its place in the Kings XI Punjab by playing such fantastic innings against the Banglore Team. Bopara fans will be quite happy hearing this news.
May 25, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Bopara is great player all time favourite for the England .He had contributed to the England at all the position where ever he is been promoted and have shown a tremendous performance IPL against all the teams.
June 5, 2010 at 11:35 am
Ravi Bopara scored great knock as Kings XI Punjab defeated Bangalore Royal Challengers by seven wickets Friday to claim their first Indian Premier League victory this season.
June 9, 2010 at 5:06 pm
England right-hander Bopara struck five sixes and four fours duringis spell at the crease and skipper Yuvraj Singh and Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara offered good support.He is been legend to the England cause can play at any order is been placed.
June 28, 2010 at 7:58 am
Bopara is been handy player for the England can open at any spot for their playing eleven. He is been great fielder great opponent for the other teams as well. As he is still in the early stage of his career I think he is still going to improve.
July 1, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Ravi Bopara been the allrounder for the England been chosen for IPL has been tremendous .Throughout the Whole Season he is been consistent performer and was the Superb at all the place he was promoted.
July 27, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Bopara is been good all rounder player who can bet at all places and his selection in the IPL for the King XI Punjab was very fruitful he has made many winning matches for the team is well.
August 3, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Bopara is been the all time Favourite in all the section in the life is well.He is been good in all department and many winning innings for the IPL for teh Punjab team is well.
August 21, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Bopara was the all rounder from the England but the performance in the IPL was Mind blowing he one handed made many victories to the Punjab.Bangolre Against Victory was awesome inning from him.
August 23, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Bopra is really great players and i have watch out the match on the T.V Bopra innings is an awesome one and its really an challenge for the Banglore bowler to out him.