Despite Shikhar Dhawan's record consecutive century, on Tuesday, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) defeated tally’s toppers Delhi Capitals (DC) by five wickets, to record their third consecutive win of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This victory has risen their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.
Now KXIP has eight points from 10 matches and they are at the fifth spot of the number tally. Though Rajasthan Royals (RR), also have eight points, KL Rahul's KXIP has a better net run rate (-0.177) than Steve Smith's RR (-0.591) in the eight-team competition. Both teams are still to play four matches, same as Delhi, who have 14 points from 10 games and have been placed at 1st spot of the tally.
KXIP defeats Delhi Capitals despite Dhawan’s century: Key Points
- Despite scoring 164/5 wickets, riding on opener Dhawan's unbeaten 106 off 61 balls (12x4s, 3x6s), DC was at the receiving end, it was some collective batting efforts by KXIP, especially Nicholas Pooran (53 off 28 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (32 off 24 balls).
- While chasing the target, KXIP endured some early blows as in-form Rahul (15) and Mayank Agarwal (5) fell cheaply while Chris Gayle chipped in with 29 runs.
- KXIP were 56/3 wickets in 5.5 overs before Maxwell and Pooran took control of the proceedings and repaired the damage with a crucial 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
- Just after Pooran notched up his half-century in the 13th over, Kagiso Rabada struck to dismiss the KXIP batsman. Pooran's 53, which came off 28 balls, was decorated with six boundaries and three maximums.
- For DC, Rabada picked two wickets for 27 runs while Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin settled with one each.
- KXIP pacer Mohammed Shami has once again impressed as he bagged two wickets for just 28 runs from his four overs quota while James Neesham, Murugan Ashwin, and Glenn Maxwell picked one wicket each.
