Mohali: KL Rahul's swashbuckling 71 off 36 and his 108 runs partnership with Chris Gayle (28) helped Kings XI Punjab to finish off their Indian Premier League 2019 campaign on a winning note as they defeated table topper Chennai Super Kings by six wickets here at IS Bindra Stadium on Sunday.
Also Read: 2019 Word Cup: Players with most centuries in WC history
Putting into bat first, CSK have not had a good start as they lost opener Shane Watson early. The former Australia batsman was castled by Curran for 7. However, a sensational 120-runs partnership between du Plessis and Suresh Raina (53) helped CSK to recover from early hiccup and set 171 runs competitive target for the hosts.
du Plessis misses maiden IPL ton by 4 runs
du Plessis, who was prolific today, missed the chance of notching his maiden IPL ton by four runs as an absolute gem from Curran found his off stump which brought the curtain down on his scintillating 96 off 55 balls innings.
Faf du Plessis has played 96 runs innings against KXIP. In reply to 170, KXIP got off to an awesome start as opening duo KL Rahul and Chris Gayle built game-changing 108 runs partnership to guide KXIP to a great victory.
Also Read: WI vs IRE: Campbell, Hope create new opening-wicket world record
Rahul's 70 off 36 balls was studded with seven sixes and five boundaries. Though Gayle was slow he gave Rahul much-needed support during their successful chase. CSK finally got rid of the duo when Harbhajan gave them back to back wickets in the 11th over of the match.
Later, Nicholas Pooran and Mayank Agarwal tried to salvage their innings but the latter was dismissed in the 13th over which put the pressure on KXIP. However, Pooran's 36 took KXIP home.
Sam Curran scalps three wickets for 35 runs
Earlier, KXIP won the toss and asked CSK to bat first. Opener Faf du Plessis' brisk innings propelled CSK to a fighting total of 170/5 against KXIP.
Du Plessis' innings was laced with 10 fours and four sixes. For the home side, England all-rounder Sam Curran made the ball talking picking up three wickets giving away 35 runs while Mohammed Shami got two for mere 17 runs in four overs.
KXIP now have 12 points in 14 matches while CSK finished their league phase with 18 points in 14 matches.
