IPL: Kings XI survive Dhoni onslaught to record second victory

Sports Sunday 15/April/2018 22:49 PM
By: Times News Service
IPL: Kings XI survive Dhoni onslaught to record second victory

Mohali: Kings XI Punjab survived a remarkable onslaught by half-fit Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni to record their second victory in the 2018 Indian Premier League on Sunday. Batting first, Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab put a challenging total of 197 for seven in 20 overs, a total they successfully defended despite Dhoni smashing an unbeaten 79 off 44 balls with six fours and five sixes. The Super Kings made a shaky start to their chase as they lost both their openers Shane Watson (11) and Murali Vijay (12) with just 39 runs on the board. But Dhoni, the game’s ultimate finisher playing with back pain, steadied the innings in the company of Ambati Rayudu (49) and took the team closer to another famous victory. However, with 17 needed off the last over bowled by Mohit Sharma, Dhoni managed just one four off the first three deliveries. Then Mohit bowled two dot balls to clinch the match for the Kings XI though Dhoni did blast a six of the last ball of the match. Earlier, the Punjab were given a rousing start by Chris Gayle and KL Rahul, the duo putting on 96 runs for the first wicket. While Gayle smashed 63 off just 33 balls with seven fours and four sixes, Rahul made 37 in 22 balls with the help of seven fours. Though the rest of the batsmen failed to maintain the momentum, the Kings XI still managed to put up a challenging total. The Kings XI will next host Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday and the Super Kings will play their next match against Rajasthan Royals on Friday. Brief scores: Kings XI Punjab 197 for 7 in 20 overs (Chris Gayle 63, KL Rahul 37; Shardul Thakur 2/33, Imran Tahir 2/34) bt Chennai Super Kings 193 for 5 in 20 overs (MS Dhoni 79 n.o., Ambati Rayudu 49; Andrew Tye 2/47, Ravichandran Ashwin 1/32).