Liam Livingstone blasted 64 off 27 deliveries -- his second successive half-century in IPL, but Punjab Kings lost their way a bit before recovering to post 189/9 in 20 overs against Gujarat Titans at the Brabourne Stadium here on Friday
Livingstone came in with PBKS struggling at 2-34 and then added 52 runs for the third wicket partnership with Shikhar Dhawan (35, 30b, 4x4). He went on to complete his half-century off 21 balls, hammering debutant Darshan Nalkande for a six and four in one over and struck him for two successive fours in another over. Livingstone went on to blast his second successive half-century in IPL to help PBKS recover.
The Englishman had struck a similar knock, 60 against Chennai Super Kings in their previous match that helped the team register their second win.
Punjab Kings lost their way a bit in the middle overs as Jitesh Sharma 23 of 11 balls) and Odean Smith (0) were out off successive deliveries off a Nalkande's third over. Though Shah Rukh Khan avoided the hat-trick, he too did not last long, trapped lbw by Rashid Khan.
ALSO READ | Korea Open 2022: Srikanth, Sindhu enter semifinals
Livingstone perished going for one shot too many as he mishit to David Miller at the boundary off Rashid Khan. PBKS, who were cruising at 150/5 in the 15th over, were soon 154/7 in the 16th over and down to 162/9 in the 18th over.
Rahul Chahar (22 not out off 14) and Arshdeep Singh (10 off 5) struck a few lusty blows in the last two overs as Punjab Kings reached a challenging 189/9 in 20 overs.
For Gujarat Titans, Rashid Khan was the most successful bowler with 3/22 while Darshan Nalkande claimed 2/37 off three overs on debut.
Brief scores: Punjab Kings 189/9 in 20 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 35, Liam Livingstone 64, Rahul Chahar 22 not out; Rashid Khan 3/22, Darshan Nalkande 2/37) against Gujarat Titans.
