Manish Pandey hits Century, as Royal Challengers Bangalore reach Semifinals

24/7 News Network: Manish Pandey became the first Indian to hit a century in T20 cricket including the IPL, as Royal Challengers Bangalore moved to the semifinals with a 12-run victory over favourite Deccan Chargers. Despite the loss, Deccan Chargers too reached the semifinals because of better run rate than Kings XI Punjab. Delhi Daredevils and Chennai Super Kings are other two teams in the semifinals.

Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and elected to bat first. They lost Kallis early. But Manish Pandey produced a spectacular batting display with 114 off 73 balls. He hit 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. Roelof van der Merwe made 23. The RCB put up 170/4 in 20 overs. For Deccan Chargers, Pragyan Ojha took 2 wickets.

Chasing a victory target of 171, Deccan Chargers started well, but lost the way. Gibbs was the top scorer with 60 off 43 balls. He hit 3 boundaries and 4 sixes. The Deccan Chargers finally ended up with 158/6 in 20 overs. For Royal Challengers, Anil Kumble and Balachandra Akhil took 2 wickets each.

Manish Pandey and Gibbs shared the "DLF Maximum Sixes Award". Manish Pandey was declared "Man of the Match".