Glenn Maxwell also thrashed an unbeaten 43, off just 18 balls, as Bangalore cruised to 2-170 with eight balls to spare.

The victory over the table-toppers keeps Bangalore's playoff hopes alive.

Set a target of 169 to win their final league game, Kohli opened the innings and hit eight fours and two sixes to give Bangalore a platform to chase down the total and move up to fourth place.

Kohli has had a poor season by his standards, including three ducks in the tournament. The knock was only his second fifty in 14 IPL innings, although he has passed 7,000 runs for the team.

"I was disappointed that I haven't done much for my team and that is what bothers me. Today was a game where I was able to create an impact for the team," said Kohli.

"I have worked really hard. Before this game, I batted non-stop in the nets for 90 minutes. I came in very free and relaxed."

Maxwell said they'll be watching the Mumbai Indians versus Delhi Capitals game "pretty closely" on Sunday.

Delhi, who have a better net run rate, could move level on points and reclaim fourth spot if they beat the bottom side.

"We feel like we deserve to be in the final four and hopefully Mumbai will do the right thing by us and get us into the final four," Maxwell said.

Gujarat, already assured of first place with 20 points, had earlier made 5-168 after captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and scored 68 not out off 47 balls.

Gujarat and second-placed Lucknow Super Giants have qualified for the playoffs.

Maxwell could have been out first ball but Rashid Khan's sharp delivery failed to dislodge the bails and went for four byes after hitting the leg stump.

The Australian blazed five fours and two sixes and carried Bangalore home.

Earlier, Josh Hazlewood, who took 2-39 for Bangalore, had conceded 17 runs off the final Gujarat over.

Reuters with AP

Australian Associated Press