Despite Rajasthan Royals putting up a spirited fight, Kings XI Punjab eased to a six-wicket victory in their IPL clash at Indore on Sunday.
Having been set a target of just 153, Ravichandran Ashwin’s men crossed the finish line with more than a over to spare.
Here, we look at the key talking points.
BUTTLER FIRES ONCE AGAIN
Jos Buttler had played a sensational knock of 67 (26) against the Delhi Daredevils and still ended up on the losing side. He carried on in the same fashion on Sunday despite the Royals losing both openers early. The Englishman was his usual inventive self as he mixed the conventional with the unexpected to fetch terrific results.
He formed a stirring partnership for the third-wicket with Sanju Samson as the two batsmen mitigated the initial damage with some style. He lost Samson and then Ben Stokes at the other end before completing a second half-century on the bounce.
FIFTY for @josbuttler off 37 deliveries.#KXIPvRR #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/a5562DeXYA
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 6, 2018
MUJEEB SPINS ROYALS INTO A TANGLE
While all three of Kings XI’s spinners were impressive, Afghan teenager Mujeeb ur Rahman was the clear standout with an impressive three-wicket haul. The 17-year-old accounted for three of Rajasthan’s biggest guns in Buttler, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer as the visitors completely lost their way after 10 overs.
He got Buttler with one that moved away after pitching before castling Archer’s stumps in the next ball with a delivery that came. Finished with excellent figures of 3-27.
3 Wickets In 4 Balls. That's A Game Turning Performance. Mujeeb Ur Rahman Has Snatched This Game From Rajasthan Royals Into Kings XI's Den. 🦁🙏#KXIPvRR #KXIPvsRR
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) May 6, 2018
KL RAHUL STEERS PUNJAB TO WIN AFTER ROYALS HUSTLE
Though their total was well below par, Royals’ bowlers put up a fight with the early wickets of Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair and Axar Patel. With Kings XI at 87/4, the Royals were very much in the match but Rahul played one of his slowest but finest fifties in the IPL to take his side home.
The opener started on fire but then tailored his game to the situation as wickets started falling at the other end. In Marcus Stoinis, he found an able partner and once he crossed the 50-run mark, he unleashed a flurry of big shots to finish the game in style in the end.
Now this is how the best finish matches. This, from KL Rahul was an innings of the very highest class.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 6, 2018
BRIEF SCORES
Rajasthan Royals: 152/9
Jos Buttler 51 (39), Mujeeb ur Rahman 3-27
Kings XI Punjab: 155/4 in 18.4 overs
KL Rahul 84no (54)
