New Delhi:
MS Dhoni has won the toss and asked the opposition to have a bat first! The Indian Premier League heads to the MA Chidambaram Stadium where the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match 18 of the ongoing season. Both the teams have been performing well this season and are in the playoff places in the IPL points table. While KXIP are in the third position with 6 points from 4 matches, CSK have fallen down to fourth after suffering their first defeat of the season at the hands of Mumbai Indians. The Chennai franchise has won 3 games out 4 but are behind in the net run rate.
KXIP have impressed in this 2019 Indian Premier League season after recording 3 victories in their first 4 matches. They won an incredible match against Delhi Capitals in their last outing as they picked up 7 wickets for just 8 runs in the last few overs. Sam Curran took the first hat-trick of 2019 IPL while Mohammed Shami bowled a brilliant spell for KXIP against DC.
That's it from us! Hope you enjoyed our coverage as much as we did to bring this to you! Catch all the action another side as Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Mumbai Indians! Till then, Tada!
RESULT: Chennai Super Kings beat Kings XI Punjab by 22 runs (Sarfaraz Khan 67, Ravichandran Ashwin 3/23)
Chennai Super Kings knows how to make comebacks and that's the reason they are so consistent!
Back to back no balls! This game is going everywhere!
WICKET: Kuggeleijn gets dangerous Rahul. It was short of a length delivery, Rahul tried to pull over mid-wicket fielder but fell 20 meters short which went straight into the hands of Jadeja. Will we see another twist?
ALERT: KL Rahul gets to yet another half-century in IPL. His prime form continues!
The game is nicely poised at the moment. Both KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan showed good patience and now it's paying off! After 12/3 overs, it's 94/2.
So the equation has now come down to 94 off 66 balls! One of two needs to accelerate if Kings XI Punjab fancies their chances in this chase. After 9 overs, it's 67/2.
50-run partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul
The powerplay started favouring Chennai Super Kings, but Kings XI Punjab have made a good comeback to stay in the game. KL Rahul is looking good at the wicket. After 6 overs, it's 46/2.
16 runs over for Kings XI Punjab! Finally, KL Rahul opens his arms and hammers the ball all around the ground to let Punjab's total look a little respectful After 5 overs, it's 35/2.
Kings XI Punjab has got off to a forgettable start here! Two wickets down and runs are just not coming! After 3 overs, it's 11/2.
WICKET: This is special from Harbhajan Singh! Picks two in his first over! The form is temporary, the class is permanent!
WICKET: What a superb delivery by veteran Harbhajan Singh. He was able to trap Chris Gayle. I haven't enjoyed a wicket more than this! This is pure class!
We're back for the chase. CSK players step out and form a huddle. Out walk the KXIP openers - Chris Gayle and KL Rahul - wielding their bats. HERE WE GO!
50-run partnership between MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu!
What an over it is turning out to be! Young Curran is certainly under pressure!
Kings XI Punjab has done really well to keep Chennai Super Kings batsman quiet. Dhoni and Rayudu have had a touch time while facing the first 15 balls. After 18 overs, it's 128/3.
Chennai Super Kings lost two wickets in quick succession and now once again, the onus is on Mahendra Singh Dhoni to help his side reach a decent total. After 15 overs, 108/3.
WICKET: du Plessis tried to clear long-on fielder, but Ravichandran Ashwin slowed it in the air and went straight into the hands of David Miller. Ravi Ashwin picks his second.
Murugan has been spectacular in his spell as of now. He has been able to build all-important pressure by giving just 12 runs in three overs. With this, Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina are struggling to find the gaps and score runs. After 11 overs, 78/1.
The run-rate has come down by some margin. Since the time Murugan Ashwin has come into the attack, Chennai Super Kings have struggled to find their rhythm. After 9 overs, it's 64/1.
WICKET: Watson tried to sweep the ball onto the on the side, gets a top-edge in the process and gets out. Ashwin picks his first at Chepauk.
What an over from Murugan Ashwin. Just 1 run of the seventh over.
The powerplay belongs to Chennai Super Kings. Openers have started off pretty well, and have scored 54 runs in the powerplay. This remains to be seen how well are they able to continue from here.
ALERT: 50-run partnership between Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis.
33 - HighesOpening Partnership for Chennai Super Kings in this year's IPL.
Chennai Super Kings openers have struggled to find ball into the middle of their bat. Even then, the duo hasn't lost their patience and waiting for their chances. After 3 overs, 26/0.
Players are out in the middle and Shane Watson has a new opening partner today! Faf is asked to open, this means, Ambati Rayudu is back to his favoured position - Number Four.
So, we are just 5 minutes away from the toss. How excited are you?
So, it's an emotional moment for Ravichandran Ashwin as he rightly mentioned at the toss. For so many years he has played in the yellow jersey, and today after 3 long years coming to Chepauk and play against Chennai Super Kings is definitely a turnaround. This remains to be seen how he performs while leading Kings XI Punjab today.
Teams:
Kings XI Punjab (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Scott Kuggeleijn, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir
TOSS: Chennai Super Kings opt to bat vs Kings XI Punjab!
Hello and a warm welcome! We are all set for another doubleheader as Chennai Super Kings play against Kings XI Punjab.
