AB smashes Bangalore to win

Bangalore - AB de Villiers's late assault lifted the Royal Challengers Bangalore to a five-wicket win over the Deccan Chargers in their Indian Premier League clash here on Sunday.

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan's unbeaten 73 gave the Chargers a formidable total of 181-2 but De Villiers struck a 17-ball 47 not out that included 23 off fellow South African Dale Steyn's last over to reach 185-5 in 18.5 overs. De Villiers hit five fours and three sixes.

Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan (71) and Chris Gayle (26) laid a solid platform of 91 runs for the Royal Challengers' opening wicket before De Villiers cut loose when 39 was needed off the last three overs.

While the Chargers lie bottom of the table with five points, the Royal Challengers increased their chances of making the knockout stage with 11 points.

Scores:

Royal Challengers Bangalore 185-5 in 18.5 overs (Tillakaratne Dilshan 71, AB de Villiers 47 not out, Chris Gayle 26; Amit Mishra 2-28) def. Deccan Chargers 181-2 in 20 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 73 not out, Daniel Harris 47, Cameron White 45).