Rahul powers Punjab to spectacular triumph over Chennai

A sensational chase against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by K.L. Rahul's unbeaten 42-ball 98 (with eight sixes), breathed life in Punjab Kings' faint hope of making it to the Playoffs of IPL 14. Chasing a modest 136 at the Dubai International Stadium, Rahul's assault helped Punjab to cross the winning line in just 13 overs and with six wickets in hand.

The margin of victory lifted Punjab to fifth place in the points table. Their net run rate now reads -0.001. Chennai, on the other hand, lost their third match on the trot – though they have done enough to as good as ensure a top-two finish.

Along with Mayank Agarwal, Rahul provided a quickfire start to their chase. The pair added 46 in 4.3 overs before Shardul Thakur (3-28) removed Agarwal and Sarfaraz Khan in the same over to give his Chennai some breathing space.

But Rahul did not slow down. He added 34 with Shahrukh Khan in just 24 balls and an unbroken 49 in just 19 balls with Aiden Markram, and finished things off with a six off Thakur in the last ball of the 13th over.

Earlier, asked to bat, CSK got off to a poor start. They lost Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali inside the Powerplay while scoring only 30. The middle order could not support Faf du Plessis, who top scored with 76 out of a team score of 134/6. Du Plessis added 67 for the sixth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, who scored only 15 of these runs, from 17 balls.

For Punjab, Chris Jordan and Arshdeep Singh took two wickets apiece. 

Brief scores: Chennai Super Kings 134/6 in 20 overs (du Plessis 76; Jordan 2-20) lost to Punjab Kings 139/4 in 13 overs (Rahul 98*; Thakur 3-28) by 6 wickets with 42 balls to spare. Player of the Match: K.L. Rahul.