KXIP defeated RCB by 8 wickets
The 31st match of IPL was an astounding one for the fans due to the unexpected and unbelievable victory of Kings XI Punjab after subsequent defeats, struggling on the bottom of the points table. They played flawlessly well yesterday, chasing the target with absolute temperament, choking RCB to hit runs and tightened fielding; all demonstrated their spirit to pull up till their last ball.
The curtain rose with RCB winning the toss and electing to bat. They established a tough run chase of 172 on the loss of 6 wickets for Punjab. It was commendable hits from Chris Morris's bat that dragged them to cross 170 landmark with 3 sixes and 1 four in the last over. But efforts weren't enough to suppress Punjab to rule the game yesterday. Not only they won the match but gracefully finished the innings with such an eye flattering scoreboard.
If it comes to lend credits for the win then, amazing batsmen under praiseworthy captainship of KL Rahul steals the limelight. He smashed an undaunted 61 off 49 balls forcing 6 boundaries. Later emerging as the highest scorer and the Man of the match, he said, "I don't even have words. Towards the end, it got too close for comfort but thankfully we got it over the line. There are ups and downs and this has been the kind of roller coaster that's been crazy but on a positive note we needed this win." He appreciated the team efforts those carved the way out of this fortunate night.
Mayank Agarwal smashed quick fire 45 off 25 deliveries, crossing 4 fours and 3 sixes and made a worthy contribution. Chris Gayle hammered an astonishing fifty (53 off 45), stunning fans by 'Chris bliss' overpowering the ground yesterday. The headshot to claim the game on the last ball was taken by N Pooran who resuscitated the belief in fans of Kings XI Punjab. This appreciation could not deprive the whole hearted wicket takers Mohammed Shami and Murugan Ashwin who uprooted two wickets each.
Royal Challengers' Skipper Virat Kohli played well hitting 48 runs off 39 deliveries, but somewhere, something lagged. Amid such uncertainties modifying the dimensions of the points table, get ready to witness tonight's big match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders at 7:30 PM.
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