Kohli closer to maiden IPL title as Bengaluru storm into final

NEW DELHI - Virat Kohli inched closer to a maiden Indian Premier League title after Royal Challengers Bengaluru thrashed Punjab Kings by eight wickets in a lopsided qualifier to reach the final of the 10-team tournament on Thursday.

A superlative performance by their bowlers left Bengaluru needing only 102 to make Sundays final and they reached the target in just 10 overs with opener Phil Salt, who made 56 not out, leading the charge.

Punjab can still make the final if they can win the second qualifier against the winner of Fridays eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.

Kohli made 12 but has been Bengalurus leading scorer this season.

The former India captain has been with the franchise since the inaugural 2008 edition of the league. Bengaluru reached the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but were beaten on all three occasions.

Its a great feeling right now, Salt said. Obviously we had a second bite at the cherry but its such a good feeling to get that out of the way first time.

It just gives us that momentum. Its such a cliche but its so true at the back end of the tournament.

Bengaluru have looked formidable this season and electing to field, their fiery pace attack, led by a returning Josh Hazlewood, bundled out Punjab in 14.1 overs.

Having recovered from a shoulder niggle, Hazlewood led Bengalurus superb pace display as they reduced Punjab to 71-7 at the halfway stage of their innings.

Hazlewoods (3-21) victims included rival skipper Shreyas Iyer, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed the important wicket of Prabhsimran Singh, Punjabs leading scorer this season.

Marcus Stoinis made 26 before losing his stumps to leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who claimed 3-17 in his three overs.

Kyle Jamieson removed Kohli in the fourth over but Bengaluru raced