IPL 2018
IPL 2018: Lokesh Rahul’s dismissal leaves Kings XI Punjab reeling in the middle
By B Dixit - May 12, 2018 7:43 pm
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During the 44th match of the 11th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Indore, Kings XI Punjab’s Lokesh Rahul’s dismissal left his team in a spot of bother for he seemed to be the last hope for the hosts.

After Ravichandran Ashwin won the toss and put the Knight Riders in to bat, they ended up registering their highest even IPL total, i.e., 245-6 in 20 overs. Opener Sunil Narine (75) and captain Dinesh Karthik (50) scored individual half-centuries to power KKR to such a total.

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Lokesh Rahul was bowled by Narine.

In the second innings, Rahul and Chris Gayle provided Kings XI Punjab with a much-needed boost at the top of the order. However, Andre Russell’s second over, the last of the powerplay, put a halt to Kings XI Punjab’s progress.

Punjab received its biggest blow when in-form Rahul was dismissed by Sunil Narine. It happened on the final delivery of the ninth over when Rahul’s attempt to sweep the ball saw his chopping the ball back to the stumps. His wicket saw Punjab being reduced at 93-4.

Watch the full video:

Opening the innings with Gayle, Rahul dominated Knight Riders’ bowling attack from the word go. He scored 36 (18) in the powerplay. Despite losing wickets at one end and a mounting target at the other, Rahul was determined enough to use the long handle. He seemed to be the only hope for his team. He ended up scoring a fine 66 (29) with the help of two fours and seven sixes. Watch the highlights of his  batting: