IPL 2018: Match 16, KXIP vs SRH- Who Said What

Prior to the game, the odds were heavily stacked against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) as they were yet to win a game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at their home ground, Mohali. However, Ravichandran Ashwin’s men dished out some superlative cricket and brushed the visitors aside by 15 runs. The pitch was a batsman’s paradise and it has always favoured the chasing team, but Ravichandran Ashwin chose to bat first.

Gayle tears apart the Sunrisers

The decision paid immediate dividends as Chris Gayle blazed came out firing all cylinders, which pushed the Sunrisers on the back-foot. KL Rahul opened with Gayle, looked a tad out of sorts and was eventually dismissed by Rashid Khan. On the other hand, the Jamaican looked in ominous touch and cleared the ropes with utter disparagement.

He served his half-century in 39 balls and went berserk after that. He went on to accomplish the century in double quick time. Rashid who has been SRHs best bet with the ball was taken to the cleaners by Gayle. Karun Nair played a useful knock of 31 runs as well. Gayle eventually brought up his sixth century in IPL in the penultimate over of the Kings innings.

Kings register a clinical victory

The start wasn’t auspicious for the Sunrisers as they Shikhar Dhawan retired-hurt after suffering a nasty blow on the elbow off Barinder Sran. Wriddhiman Saha was nipped out by Mohit Sharma, which brought Yusuf Pathan to the crease. However, he perished after promising with three boundaries. Manish Pandey and Williamson had the responsibility to shepherd the knock.

The duo racked up 76 runs off 56 balls, which is impressive in normal circumstance. The visitors were dealt with a body blow when Williamson was lured into a false stroke by Andrew Tye. Manish Pandey scored a half-century, but couldn’t stop the home team from registering their maiden victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

Kane Williamson, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, said

“Hats off to Chris (Gayle). He was at his best. It really wasn’t a free-flowing wicket. Fantastic hundred, I think they deserved the win. Haven’t spoken to Dhawan yet on the injury. They bowled very well and used the big boundaries. We have to learn and move on to the next game. We want to execute a pattern in play, we weren’t up to the mark tonight.”

Ravichandran Ashwin, the captain of Kings XI Punjab, said

“I think it was a complete performance. It was one of those times when we won the toss and batted first and tried and defended a score. Did that pretty well. Would have liked to have given away 10 runs lesser for the NRR. Giving them a reasonable score to defend was something we thought we could handle at the end. It was a good wicket. Chris batted well and took it away from them. It was more about who we are bowling against. Mohit vs Dhawan was a match-up, so we had to go for that. It was pleasing to see the crowd today. We have never seen that in Mohali. There are players like these to entertain, that’s why they’re turning up. Chris just punches a back of a length delivery out of the ground — that’s the difference between him and other batsmen.”

Player of the Match, Chris Gayle said:

“I’m always determined. I always give it my all for whatever franchise I represent. I’m a 100 percent. Like I said, it’s a new franchise. A lot of people might say that Chris has a lot to prove – he didn’t get selected or wasn’t picked early in the auction. I think Virender Sehwag has saved IPL by picking me.

This is a brilliant start. Viru said in an interview that if Chris Gayle can win us two games, we have got our money’s worth. I’d like to have another word with Viru and see what happens from thereon.

Overall, happy with the win and now (time to) move on to Kolkata. It all depends on the mood and conditions are also tricky as well. Playing so many years in India, I know what the conditions are like. I am glad to get a hundred today. This is the final home game in Mohali, and I’m going to miss this wicket.

I’m not really here to prove it to anyone. I’ve done it all before. Been there, done that. Just here to put some respect on the name. Tomorrow’s my daughter’s birthday, so going to spend some time with her and enjoy this win. DON’T FORGET THE NAME.”

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