IPL 2019: KL Rahul, Ashwin spinners set up clinical win for Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians

Ajit Vijaykumar 18:37 30/03/2019
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  • KL Rahul (l) and Mayank Agarwal. Image: BCCI/SPORTZPICS.

    Kings XI Punjab opener KL Rahul paced his innings perfectly to deny Mumbai Indians their 100th win in the Indian Premier League as he guided his team to an eight-wicket victory in Mohali on Saturday.

    Mumbai posted a decent total of 176-7 in a slightly slow Mohali pitch. Mumbai opener Quinton de Kock top-scored with 60 while Kings XI spinners Ravi Ashwin (0-26) and Murugan Ashwin (2-25) kept a tight lid on the scoring. Ultimately those eight economical overs proved to be the deciding factor.

    In the chase, Chris Gayle sped off the blocks while Rahul took his time. However, Rahul remained until the very end to make up for the slow start and end up on 71 off 57 balls as Punjab chased down the runs with eight wickets and as many balls to spare.

    KINGS XI CHIP AWAY

    Mumbai Indians made a rousing start to the innings, advancing to 50 without loss in five overs. But Kings XI struck successive blows to check the scoring rate.

    First seamer Hardus Viljoen had captain Rohit Sharma out lbw before one down batsman Suryakumar Yadav was trapped plumb in front by leg-spinner Murugan. Top-scorer De Kock was out for 60 trying to paddle quick Mohammed Shami only to fall lbw while Murugan took out Yuvraj Singh as Mumbai lost steam at 124-4 with five overs to go.

    Yuvraj Singh in particular looked scratchy during his stay, taking 22 balls for his 18. The left-hander has been in better form than previous seasons but struggled for timing or placement.

    Hardik Pandya. Image: BCCI/SPORTZPICS.

    Hardik Pandya. Image: BCCI/SPORTZPICS.

    PANDYA TEES OFF

    It was down to Hardik Pandya to put some miles in the innings. The all-rounder has been batting with purpose this season and was looking really dangerous during his brief stay.

    Pandya shuffled around the crease against the quick bowlers and even sent Mohammed Shami over the square leg boundary. But he went for one shot too many, pulling Shami to deep mid wicket. Still, 31 off 19 was just what Mumbai needed on a pitch that was holding up.

    SLOW START BEFORE GAYLE OPENS UP

    Kings XI took their time to get going. While Mumbai openers started at 10 an over, Punjab reached 35 after the first five. While Rahul struggled for timing, Gayle made up for it by hitting 27 off 17. Jasprit Bumrah’s first two overs went for just six runs, showing how invaluable he is in white ball cricket.

    The seventh over of the innings, bowled by Hardik, saw Gayle change gears. One swing over the leg side followed by a clean strike down the ground fetched two maximums. But just as Gale looked set for a lot more, left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya forced a mis-hit down the ground from Gayle off a wide ball to be caught by brother Hardik at long-on. The Jamaican star departed for 40 off 24.

    Chris Gayle. Image: BCCI/SPORTZPICS.

    Chris Gayle. Image: BCCI/SPORTZPICS.

    MAYANK IN OVERDRIVE

    It was one-down batsman who put Punjab back on track as Rahul took his time to get going. Targeting spinners on the leg side, Mayank raced to 43 off 21 before giving a return catch to Krunal. Punjab were 117-2 in the 14th over and in a spot of bother.

    Rahul finally hit top gear, hitting Hardik for a six and a four in the 15th over. Successive boundaries by Rahul off dangerman Bumrah in the 17th over ended the contest.

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