IPL 2018 : Chris Gayle , K L Rahul Star In Kings XI’s Rout of KKR By 9 Wickets

Picture Credit : BCCI

In clinical professional display  the Kings XI Punjab outclassed Kolkata Knight Riders by nine wickets in a rain-hit Indian Premier League encounter, in Kolkata.

KKR managed to score a healthy 191 for 7 .Hard- hitting Aussie  Chis Lynn scored a fine 74 off 41 balls (6×4, 4×6) on his way to his maiden half-century in this IPL .

Lynn figured two crucial fifty-plus partnerships — first 72 runs from 41 balls with Robin Uthappa (34) and then 62 off 34 balls with Dinesh Karthik (43) — after they asked  to bat by Ravichandran Ashwin.

Andrew Tye (2/30 in 4 overs) managed to find the edge off Lynn as KKR lost four wickets for 39 runs including that of  Russell (10). Tye and Barinder Sran with two wickets apiece managed to keep the KKR total under-200.

What looked a fighting target for KKR  was made ridiculously easy by Kings XI Punjab openers. The Marauding Chris Gayle and equally aggressive K L Rahul. Gayle completed a hat-trick of half-centuries with an unbeaten 62 from 38 balls that had five fours and six sixes while Rahul scored 60 off only 27 balls.

KXIP had a revised target of 125 in 13 overs after a sharp spell of shower halted play for 95 minutes. Gayle hit the winning runs six off Tom Curran over long-on as they sealed the issue with 11 balls to spare.

The big concern for KKR was that star all- rounder Andrew Russell limped off the field with a hamstring injury and could not complete his over. It would be  a massive blow for KKR if he is not fit or pulls out. KKR already before the tournament lost out Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc.