Kings XI Punjab were disconsolate after their previous match, when they leaked 32 runs in the final two overs of the chase to gift victory to Mumbai Indians. Three days later, they were faced with the same situation, but this time there were no goof-ups as they upset Chennai Super Kings and silenced the crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Punjab seemed to have scored too little after choosing to bat first, ending on 156 after 20-year-old opener Mandeep Singh made his first half-century of the season. They lost 6 for 27 towards the end of the innings, which meant there was no late flourish, leaving Chennai the happier side at the halfway stage.
When Faf du Plessis confidently strode down the track to hammer Punjab’s quick bowlers, Chennai were galloping along at nine an over. With Chennai possessing a line-up that had hitters down to No. 10, the game was slipping away but Punjab didn’t lose faith. They caused a Chennai collapse to match their own – 5 for 38 – to scrap their way back into the game.
Of Piyush Chawla’s IPL performances this season, most people only remember the caning he received at the hands of Robin and Ambati Rayudu, but he has also been one of the most economical bowlers of the tournament.
Scores: Kings XI Punjab 156 for 8 (Mandeep 56, Morkel 3-29) beat Chennai Super Kings 149 for 8 (Mahmood 3-35) by 7 runs.
