IPL 2018, CSK vs KXIP: 5 talking points from the match between Chennai Superkings and Kings XI Punjab
The group stage of the 2018 IPL came to a close at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune with Chennai Super Kings defeating Kings XI Punjab by five wickets to cement their position in the Qualifier one against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Mumbai on Tuesday.
Put into bat after losing the toss, Kings XI Punjab made a poor start in what was a must-win match and had Karun Nair's quickfire half-century to thank for helping them score 153 runs on the board.
Needing to dismiss CSK under 100, Kings XI started off brilliantly, reducing the hosts to 27/3 but a bold move by MS Dhoni to send in Harbhajan Singh and then Deepak Chahar paid off as they not only knocked out Kings XI out of the competition but also went on to win the contest by five wickets to finish as runners-up to Kane Williamson's side in the IPL points table.
Here are the five major talking points from tonight's match.
#5 Lungi Ngidi's wreaks havoc
Chennai Super Kings had earmarked Lungi Ngidi as their leading paceman for the 2018 IPL but had their plans turned upside down when the young South African had to head home following the unfortunate demise of his father.
The 22-year-old's performances since he returned to India prove how badly CSK needed someone like Ngidi and with Chahar also returning following an injury setback, CSK's fast-bowling department is in a safe pair of hands heading into the playoffs.
Ngidi was exceptional tonight, especially in the powerplay overs, where he bowled three overs, conceding just seven runs while also picking up the key wickets of Chris Gayle and the in-form KL Rahul.
He completed his quota of four overs in the 17th over of the Kings XI innings, getting rid of skipper Ravichandran Ashwin - with help from the DRS - as well if Andrew Tye to complete the day with outstanding figures of 4-1-10-4.