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 end their season on a winning note.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
One for the Super Fans…
…and RCB, DC, SRH, RR and KKR. 😋💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove #WhistleFromHome #CSKvKXIP
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 1, 2020
Unlucky @lionsdenkxip coupl of decisions gng against today that’s the nature of the game But I think it was a great efort to come bak in the tournament Gaikwad looks like a special talent good find fr @ChennaiIPL Bach gaya @yuzi_chahal 😅 all eyes on the big game now #KKRvsRR
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 1, 2020
First time all teams have won at least 6 matches in an IPL season. #IPL2020 has been the closest of all! #CSKvKXIP
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) November 1, 2020
Ruturaj Gaikwad story:
•Completely warmed IPL 2019 on bench.
•Got COVID19 positive right before IPL 2020.
•Scored 2 ducks in his first 3 matches.
•Becomes the first CSK player to score 3 back to back fifties.Well done, @Ruutu1331.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 1, 2020
See you next year, baby yellow. Comeback stronger @ChennaiIPL. 💛 pic.twitter.com/LjtRPzg3cG
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 1, 2020
Ruturaj Gaikwad:
First 3 inns – 0, 5, 0
Last 3 inns – Three 50s#IPL2020 #CSKvKXIP— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) November 1, 2020
@ChennaiIPL has booked return flight for @lionsdenkxip now today’s second match is knock out
— Sunandan Lele (@sunandanlele) November 1, 2020
Kings XI Punjab were the most entertaining team of IPL 2020:
•Part of 2 Super Overs.
•Part of first ever double Super Over.
•Won just 1 in first 7 games.
•Won 5 on a trot to make a comeback.Come stronger next year, @lionsdenkxip.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 1, 2020
Great show yet again #Riturajgaikwad well played… @ChennaiIPL well played 👏👏💪
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 1, 2020
The huge positive for #csk has to be the exciting #ruturaj.3 back to back 50's and all in a winning cause. Not a great year for them but am sure they will come back strong.i trust the ppl involved here. The lion am sure will roar again real soon #IPL2020
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) November 1, 2020
What ingredients did CSK find in these last three games that was missing most of the season?
— Ian bishop (@irbishi) November 1, 2020
