Punjab continue playoff dream with thumping win over CSK
Punjab Kings have kept their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive by beating Chennai Super Kings with ease. PBKS chased down 135 with six wickets in hand.
Punjab can reach the playoffs only if Rajasthan Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by just enough margin that pushes KKR down to the fifth spot.
Rahul masterclasses anchor PBKS
KL Rahul guided his team to another win in a one-sided contest. He helped reach the target in 13 overs. The PBKS captain was just two runs shy of a century. His 98* not out has helped him retain the Orange Cap again.
He now averages 62.60 with 626 runs scored in the tournament already. He hit seven fours and a whopping eight sixes.
The Punjab skipper batted at a strike rate of 233 to dismantle CSK bowlers from the start. He also took two catches behind the stumps.
Every Indian fan regardless of the teams they support must be glad to see Rahul making it big in the IPL again with the ICC T20 World Cup just weeks ahead.
After the game, Rahul explained why he batted more aggressively than he’s used to. “It was really hot today. The plan was simple. The numbers guys told us a few permutations and combinations,” he said.
“We wanted to score it before 14 overs. Just one of those days when it comes off. Had complete clarity of what I wanted to do. I feel like I may end up letting the team down if I play how I want to play,” Rahul continued. “But today, this was how I needed to play. Today was one of those days where I could hit every ball. No better feeling than hitting the ball from the middle of the bat.”
Du Plessis charges till the end
In a rare sight, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis were not able to extend their opening stand for long. After Gaikwad departed early trying to play hook shoot, du Plessis continued to spank the Punjab bowlers.
His monster six off Arshdeep Singh down to long-on boundary region showed how good of a touch the former South African skipper is in.
His 76 off 55 anchored CSK to a decent total. With Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa and Mahendra Singh Dhoni failing to make it big, Chennai may not have been at 134/6 had it not been for du Plessis’ blitz.
In the second innings, the total proved to be way too low as the Punjab batters were striking the ball sweeter than ever.
Shardul Thakur troubled PBKS batting line-up, claiming three wickets to his name. But an overall power show from the CSK pace cartel meant an easy win for Punjab on the season’s last probable game.
