IPL 2019: Match 9, KXIP vs MI – How Gayle and Rahul spoiled Mumbai's tactics

The Kings XI Punjab’s batting strength lies in their openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul as their good performances always reflect into victories. Rahul had single digit scores in the first two matches and needed to spend time at the crease to gain some form. This meant Mumbai Indians needed to get the dangerous Chris Gayle early on and put pressure of Rahul too for defending their total of 176/7. However, Gayle began the chase with a 24-ball 40 while Rahul finished with an unbeaten 71 off 57.

The plans in hand for the Mumbai Indians:

For dismissing Chris Gayle, MI needed to have their pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga and Mitchell McClenaghan. All the three pacers had a decent record in the IPL against the big man. Despite not getting the wicket of Gayle, Bumrah conceded only 27 runs from 30 deliveries against him. Both Malinga and McClenaghan claimed the Caribbean star’s wicket once conceding 47 runs from 64 balls and 34 off 33 deliveries respectively. The three bowlers were given two overs apiece in the powerplay.

Gayle upsets the strategies:

Gayle ensured he negotiated the possible factors causing a threat to him as he did during the game against the Rajasthan Royals. He made merry of the length deliveries from McClenaghan and safely played out Malinga’s first spell as well. KL Rahul took care of Jasprit Bumrah as he faced eight deliveries against the Indian speedster. Kings XI posted only 38 runs in the powerplay with Gayle and Rahul scoring 28 (20) and 10 (16) respectively.

The Jamaican was dismissed for a 24-ball 40 in the 8th over to Krunal Pandya after hitting the other Pandya for a couple of sixes. However, by end of Gayle’s innings, Rahul settled down at the crease and was set towards a big one. Mayank Agarwal’s quick-fire 21-ball 43 allowed Rahul to play through without taking many risks.

The keeper-batsman ensured he was at the crease when the winning runs were scored. He shared partnerships of 53, 64 and 60 respectively with Gayle, Mayank and David Miller for the first three wickets.

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