IPL 2018, CSK vs KXIP: 3 Unnoticed things from the game between Chennai Superkings and Kings XI Punjab
Punjab needed a big win in the last match of the league stages against Chennai to qualify for the playoffs.
M.S Dhoni won the toss and decided to chase. His decision was vindicated as his seamers delivered a dream opening spell, dismissing Punjab’s top three batsmen with just 16 runs on the board.
Lungi Ngidi, in particular, was brilliant with his line and lengths. It took a special inning from Karun Nair to propel Punjab to a competitive score of 153 runs.
In reply, Chennai lost both their openers quickly with not many runs on the board. Dhoni surprised everyone by promoting Deepak Chahar up the order and the move paid rich dividends as he blasted a 20-ball 39 to get Chennai back in the match.
Suresh Raina finished off things nicely to guide Chennai to a comfortable win. Let us have a look at some of the things that the fans might have missed from today’s match.
#1 First single digit score for Rahul and Rayadu
Both K.L Rahul and Ambati Rayadu have staked a claim for a slot in the Indian limited-overs team through some fantabulous performances this year in the IPL.
While Rahul had amassed 652 runs, Rayadu had scored 585 runs in the IPL this season before today’s match.
Punjab were hoping for a Rahul special to help them qualify for the playoffs. However, Rahul could not do much of note today as he shouldered arms to Ngidi, only to see his stumps rattled.
Rayadu too had an off day as he edged a Mohit Sharma outswinger to the keeper. This was the first instance of a single digit score by both Rayadu and Rahul this season.