Pune, Apr 23: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) registered a 13-run win over Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) in an Indian Premier League match, here on Friday.

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Following his side's third successive loss in the tournament, Pune Skipper Dhoni said that star batsman Kevin Pietersen's leg injury during the match could be a blessing in disguise for his side.

"KP's injury could be a blessing in disguise. Could allow us to play Albie (Morkel) or (Mitchell) Marsh," Dhoni said during post match presentation.

Kevin Pietersen has failed to live up to his reputation as he has not played any match-winning innings for the side so far.

Sent into bat, RCB rode on AB De Villiers' 83 off 46 balls with the help of six boundaries and two sixes and Virat Kohli's 80 off 63 deliveries, during which he struck seven fours and two hits over the fence, to post a figting 185 for five.

Later, RCB bowlers rose to the occasion and managed to restrict Pune to 172 for eight.

Chasing the target, Pune had a horrid start to their chase, slumping to 18 for two by the end of the third over.

(IPL 2016: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers put RCB back on winning track)

Pune's chase went haywire as Faf du Plessis (2) departed in the next over when he was caught by Harshal Patel off Kane Richardson (3/13) at mid-off which was followed by Kevin Pietersen's retirement after he pulled his calf muscle while going for a single in the next over.

To make matters worse for Pune, Steven Smith (4) was run out in the third over by a direct hit from Kohli. Then Rahane and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (41) shared 91 runs off 73 balls for the third wicket to keep Pune afloat.

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