Twitter Reactions: KL Rahul and Sam Curran save KXIP from the cellar dweller spot

Prior to their last round-robin match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) were placed last on the IPL 2019 points table. But the team soared above expectations and took down the table-toppers by six wickets and subsequently, finished their campaign above RCB and RR.

After Punjab won the toss and elected to field first, Chennai put on a substantial score of 170 in their 20 overs. Shane Watson’s poor form continued as Sam Curran rattled his woodwork. Watson managed seven off 11. However, Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina added 120 runs off 75 deliveries to put the Super Kings in a commanding position. Du Plessis accomplished his half-century in a mere 37 balls.

The South African batter ended up scoring 96 runs from 55 deliveries with the help of 10 boundaries and four sixes. A superlative Yorker from Sam Curran denied him a well-deserved ton. Raina also contributed with a handy 38-ball 53. Curran picked up Raina in the 17th over. Mohammed Shami got rid of Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav in the last over. MS Dhoni couldn’t find his timing, scoring a 12-ball 10.

Rahul goes berserk

KXIP made a thunderous start to their run-chase as KL Rahul and Chris Gayle smashed their way to a stand of 108 runs off 63 deliveries. Gayle was a tad cautious to start with but Rahul didn’t die wondering and accomplished his half-century off 19 balls. He made the chase a completely one-sided affair. Rahul ended up getting 71 off 36 balls and his magnificent knock was carved with seven fours and five sixes.

He was especially severe on Harbhajan Singh. Nevertheless, the off-spinner made an incredible comeback and picked up both Gayle and Rahul off consecutive deliveries. In his next over, the tweaker got rid of Mayank Agarwal. Nicholas Pooran came to bat at three and the left-hander didn’t let any pressure build thereafter. He remained not out on 36 from 22 with two fours and three sixes to see his team through.

Here is how Twitterati reacted to KXIP’s thumping win:

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