In the match of several ups and downs, Kings XI Punjab held their nerve to begin their Indian Premier League 2019 campaign with a victory. Bowlers of Punjab pulled the strings back in the latter half of the second innings and restricted Rajasthan for 170/9 to win the game by 14 runs. RR was in the match until debutant Sam Curran dismissed two set batsmen in an over.
Earlier, Chris Gayle gave Punjab a blazing start after putting on to bat by Rajasthan. Gayle hit all bowlers for cleaners and scored 79 runs in 47 balls. Sarfaraz Khan gave a finishing touch to KXIP’s innings at the death overs to take their total to 184/4 in 20 overs.
Also Read: Who will be the X factor for KXIP in IPL 2019?
Hits
Chris Gayle (KXIP)
The Universe Boss started the Indian Premier League 2019 in style and hit Rajasthan’s bowling lineup in all corners of the ground. Chris Gayle scored a flamboyant a 47-ball 79 runs, where he hit eight fours and four towering sixes. It was Gayle’s big hits which gave Kings XI Punjab a good start on which other batsmen capitalized and scored a mammoth total of 184/4 in 20 overs.
Sarfaraz Khan (KXIP)
Young Sarfaraz Khan looked in good form during Kings XI Punjab’s first match of the season. After being released from RCB this year, he was roped in by KXIP and instantly proved this move right. Sarfaraz scored a quick-fire 46 runs off 29 balls, including six fours and one six. After Gayle’s departure in 16th over, he gave KXIP’s innings the much-required finishing touch.
Also Read: Who will be the X factor for RR in IPL 2109?
Jos Buttler (RR)
England’s talismanic batsman took his good batting form in the IPL 2019 as well and scored a blazing fifty at Jaipur. He gave Rajasthan a quick start in the power play, where they scored 64 runs in first six overs. Buttler scored 69 runs in 43 balls including ten fours and two sixes before getting Mankaded by Ravichandran Ashwin.
