Captain Virat Kohli hit a crucial 67 to guide his Royal Challengers side to their first win of the IPL season on Saturday (14) after six straight defeats.
Chris Gayle smashed an unbeaten 99 to take Kings XI Punjab to 173-4 off their 20 overs, putting extra pressure on Kohli's team who have made an error-strewn start to the campaign.
But the India skipper plundered early runs to put Bangalore on course. Even after the run rate eased, South African veteran AB de Villiers (59) and Australian Marcus Stoinis (28) reached the target in the final over to provide a morale-boosting eight-wicket win.
"It is a great feeling to get across the line," said Kohli, who has criticised his players for their mistakes and attitude in past defeats.
Bangalore's six earlier losses had equalled the record for the worst start to an IPL season.
"We have been unlucky in a couple of games," he added. "But after so many setbacks the players showed they still have desire."
Kohli's innings included eight fours, but he said the key to the victory was his bowlers taking four Punjab wickets in the middle of their innings to restrict their score.
Only Gayle's concentration -- and his five sixes and 10 fours -- ensured Punjab put up a competitive score.
After Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets earlier Saturday for their second win of the season, Bangalore, who have never won an IPL title, remain rooted to the bottom of the table and needing a miracle to qualify for the playoffs.
England's Jos Buttler struck 89 including 28 -- two sixes and four fours -- off an over by West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph in Rajasthan's win.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)