Kohli serves treat with intent in Dharamsala

SHORTLY after 8.25 PM local time, a light drizzle at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala had eventually transformed into a gentle hail.

-  SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

The break in play came at the right time, or so the assumption went, for Punjab Kings who were up against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Before the rain delay, Rajat Patidar had gone on a six-athon. His coruscating takedown of spin and pace either side of the powerplay had put the visitors in a commanding position (for the record, he hit three fours and six sixes in a 23-ball 55). No bowler was spared; Harshal Patel was dismissed for three boundaries in an over while Rahul Chahar, who caught the eye in recent games, was dismissed for three sixes in the space of five balls. Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran and Vidwath Kaverappa, who had provided the early breakthroughs, also travelled to and above the boundary hoardings at the HPCA Stadium.