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Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Virat Kohli being stumpped during an IPL 7 match against Chennai Super Kings in Ranchi on Sunday. Image Credit: PTI

Ranchi: Riding on a comprehensive performance, Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the JSCA International Stadium here on Sunday.

On a low and slow track, Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers did well to restrict the famed Super Kings batting line-up to a modest 138 for four in 20 overs. Suresh Raina top scored with an unbeaten 62, while David Hussey made 25.

It was an impressive performance by the Royal Challengers bowlers. Pacer Abu Nechim Ahmad was the miser, giving away just 18 runs for one wicket from his four overs. Fast bowler Varun Aaron picked up two wickets, while veteran off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan did well for his 1/29.

While chasing, Chris Gayle gave a steady start with his 46 off 50 balls, but it was a whirlwind knock of 28 in just 14 balls by A.B. de Villiers that helped Bangalore surpass the target, scoring 142 for five with a ball to spare.

Gayle never looked in a hurry but his innings was laced with aggression as well. After the early loss of Parthiv Patel (10), Gayle and captain Virat Kohli added 61 for the second wicket at a time when spinners Ravichandran Ashwin (2/16) and Samuel Badree (0/15) were piling on the pressure with some tight bowling. Hussey also picked up two wickets with his off-spin but conceded 38 runs.

Gayle, who hit three fours and three sixes, became Ashwin’s second victim after he tried to hit the spinner out but later defended, was beaten in turn and had his off stump knocked back.

With the score at 110/3 in the 17th over, De Villiers took the match away from Super Kings with an explosive knock that was studded with three sixes and a four. The South African was also adjudged as man of the match.

Earlier in the day, Raina overcame an unimpressive start to score an unbeaten half-century. Raina struck a six and six boundaries in his 48-ball knock.

Chennai lost Dwayne Smith (9) and Brendon McCullum (19) inside five overs and it was Raina and Hussey who got the innings back on track with a crucial 75-run stand for the third wicket.