Chennai Super Kings (CKS) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) locked horns with each other at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi which was a do-or-die game for KXIP. CSK had nothing to lose as they were already out of the tournament, but they had registered two consecutive wins against RCB and KKR owing to a half-century by Ruturaj Gaikwad. The wins also armed with much-needed confidence in the final encounter against the mighty Kings.
Having won the toss, MS Dhoni asked KXIp to bat first with an expectation to sing the winning notes once again. However, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal failed to do much as despite adding 48 runs in 32 balls, Mayank perished away getting out to Lungi Ngidi. Even Chris Gayle along with Rahul failed to add much to the team score. The latter could manage 29 runs laced up with one flat-six and 3 dashing fours. Mandeep Singh and Nicholas Pooran along with Jimmy Neesham fell in quick succession.
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However, at the time when Punjab needed the most, Deepak Hooda came out all guns blazing as he helped his team to register a respectable score against the mighty Super Kings. Scoring a quick-fire cameo of 62*, with 3 fours and 4 massive sixes; Hooda helped KXIP to reach a total of 153 runs after the end of 20 overs.
During the chase, CSK put their best foot forward only to give the team a much-needed start. The openers-Faf Du Plessis and the young Ruturaj Gaikwad cemented a solid foundation by adding 82 runs for the first wicket. However, Faf got out to Chris Jordan on 48 which raised hopes for KXIP. However, Gaikwad and Ambati Rayudu made sure that CSK gets over the line without any more hiccups.
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The former slammed his third consecutive half-century and remained unbeaten till the end to make sure he took his team home. CSK crossed the winning line in the 19th over with Gaikwad scoring 62 while Rayudu, who was unbeaten at 30. With this significant loss, Kings XI Punjab has lost its chance to reserve the playoffs berth while CSK ends their season on a winning note.
Hits
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his third consecutive IPL half-century before the bowlers did a brilliant job to restrict the opposition. He continued to bat with composure in the middle overs and was joined by Ambati Rayudu who made his intentions clear from the first ball. Gaikwad scored unbeaten on 62 with the help of six 4s and a 6.
Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi made a strong comeback by taking big wickets of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and James Needham at crucial junctures which helped CSK to restrict KXIP.
Flops
Chris Jordan
After delivering a brilliant spell in the game against SRH, Chris Jordan never managed to get his line right against the CSK batsmen. He conceded as many as 31 runs in his spell of three overs.
