Gayle back to IPL with a Bang

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle hammered a 55-ball century as Bangalore Royal Challengers snapped a three-game losing streak with a nine-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders.

Gayle, making his first appearance of the competition, hit 10 fours and seven sixes in his unbeaten 102 to see the Royal Challengers to a target of 172 with 11 deliveries to spare.

The West Indian, playing against his former franchise, dominated an opening stand of 123 with Tillakaratne Dilshan (38), who was bowled by Lakshimipathy Balaji (1-43) in the 13th over.

That was the solitary breakthrough for the Knight Riders as Virat Kohli (30no) joined Gayle to complete the run chase.

Earlier, Kolkata had made a total of 171-5 after being asked to bat at Eden Gardens.

Jaques Kallis (40), Gautam Gambhir (48) and Yusuf Pathan (46) all contributed in a solid team effort.

Defeat means the Knight Riders missed the chance to go top of the IPL standings, while the Royal Challengers are now up to fifth.