Kings XI Punjab won three out of three matches at their home ground PCS Stadium by defeating the unbeaten team of the tournament so far. Riding on the back of the brilliant century by Chris Gayle in the first innings, Kings XI Punjab bowlers made no mistakes and kept down Sunrisers Hyderabad to emerge victorious by 15 runs. Gayle’s 104* was the knock that stood out, it also involves out turning point of the match.

In the fourth over when Afghan sensation Rashid Khan first appeared to bowl, Chris Gayle under-edged the turning the delivery. Keeper Wriddhimaan Saha failed to collect the ball and missed the chance early on. The catch was very difficult as there was sharp deflection but it gave Gayle another life and Rashid Khan had to suffer more.

The real turning point of the match was the 14th over, again bowled by Rashid Khan. He was having a brilliant tournament so far with his economical bowling. Till now, he had conceded 15 runs from his two overs. At this moment, KXIP was standing at 104/2 after 13 overs. This over from Rashid had to be the one to do damage control. Keep the runs down and try and nick out a wicket or two.

Karun Nair took single off the first ball. This brought Chris Gayle on strike. The giant had been relatively gentle so far with his score being 51*(40). The next four balls changed the momentum of the game and put Sunrisers out of the contention.

The first ball to Gayle from Rashid was full and straight, right in the zone for Chris Gayle to loft it out for a six. It went over long-off. Next ball was short but received the same treatment, this time it thudded on the small black sight-screen. This time, Rashid pitched it fuller but to no avail, this one also smacked the sight-screen. The fourth ball to Gayle was wide, the Jamaican determined to hit it out, smacked it for another six.

Four sixes in four balls. The over destroyed the confidence of Rashid Khan. That over which went for a total of 27 runs spoiled Rashid’s figures and muscled KXIP to a match-winning total of 193.