Twitter Reactions: PBKS survive Ambati Rayudu scare to record much-needed win

Punjab Kings have recorded a much-needed win as Chennai Super Kings suffered yet another defeat in IPL 2022. It was a high-scoring thriller wherein the pendulum of momentum was constantly swinging. However, the bottom line was CSK failed to chase down 188, losing the contest by 11 runs. While Shikhar Dhawan was the chief architect of PBKS’ triumph, Ambati Rayudu would be gutted ending up on the losing side despite playing a stellar knock.

Earlier in the match, Chennai Super Kings won the toss and unsurprisingly elected to bowl first at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. PBKS got off to a steady start with openers Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan adding 37 runs for the opening wicket. While skipper Mayank departed for a rusty 18, the southpaw stood strong at one end and played a brilliant knock.

He joined forces with comeback man Bhanuka Rajapaksa as the duo added 110 runs for the second wicket. Rajapaksa departed for a well-paced 42 off 32 balls but Shikhar remained unbeaten till the end. The veteran opener scored 88* off just 59 deliveries as PBKS posted 187/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Notably, Liam Livingstone also chipped in with a crucial contribution, scoring 19 off seven balls.

Evergreen Ambati Rayudu walks the talk

In reply, CSK yet again got off to a dismal start with the likes of Robin Uthappa, Mitchell Santner and Shivam Dube perishing for single-digit scores. The repair work was done by last season’s orange cap-winner Ruturaj Gaikwad and the evergreen Ambati Rayudu. The duo added 49 runs for the fourth wicket but the scoring rate was on the lower side.

Rayudu shifted gears after Gaikwad’s departure for 30 and tension grew in the Punjab Kings camp. The 36-year-old went absolutely berserk as CSK found themselves back in the hunt. Just when things looked in the right balance, Kagiso Rabada shattered Rayudu’s stumps, dismissing the veteran batter for a 39-ball 78.

Towards the end, skipper Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni also played some big shots but their efforts could only narrow the margin of defeat. CSK were eventually restricted to 176/6, losing the contest by 11 runs.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitter reacted to PBKS’ triumph: