KXIP VS CSK: KL Rahul shines as Punjab post 178/4

After winning the toss KXIP chooses to bat first and their in-form openers proved their decision right by providing a 61 run opening stand in just nine overs.

Dubai: Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul smashed yet another fifty to guide his team to 178/4 against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday here at the Dubai International Stadium. Both the teams are at the bottom of the points table and desperately need to win this match.

After winning the toss KXIP opted to bat first and their in-form openers proved the decision right by providing a 61 run opening stand in just nine overs.

KXIP VS CSK

Mayank Agarwal was removed by veteran Piyush Chawla in his very first over. Agarwal tried to pull one for a six, instead found fielder on the boundary line. KL Rahul, who once again reclaimed his orange cap, was going strong and steady.

KXIP VS CSK

Mandeep Singh, who joined his captain in the middle after the first wicket, started hitting the ball from word go. Before getting dismissed the right-hand batsman scored 27 of just 16 balls with two sixes in it. He was sent back by Ravindra Jadeja.

Wicket-keeper batsman Nicholas Pooran also played quickfire innings of 33 runs in just 17 balls, studded with three huge sixes and one boundary. He was dismissed by Shardul Thakur.

KXIP VS CSK

Thakur struck on the very next ball as he clinched the important wicket of KL who was batting on 63. Rahul smashed seven boundaries and one beautiful six in his innings.

In the end, Sarfaraz Khan and Glenn Maxwell helped KXIP reach 178/4.

For CSK Thakur picked two wickets while Jadeja and Chawla took one wicket each. It was rather an off day for Dwayne Bravo as he leaked runs at the rate of 9.50.