Kings XI Punjab had no choice but to win to keep their dream of playing in the play-offs alive. But in such an important match, the team owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zinta lost by 9 wickets against Chennai Super Kings.
On Sunday (November 1) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Punjab scored 153 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the last fifty taken by Deepak Hooda. In reply, Chennai lost 1 wicket in 16.5 overs and scored 154 runs.
Two openers Lokesh Rahul (29) and Mayank Agarwal (26) made a great start for Punjab. Lungi Engidi bowled both of them. Chris Gayle (12) and Nicholas Puran (2) could not take the storm after that. However, Deepak booked Mandvip (14) and Nisham (2) for a short time. He hit 72 off 30 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes before leaving the field with another unbeaten batsman Chris Jordan (2).
Chennai openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis took the storm by storm. Jordan broke their 72-run partnership. Du Plessis made 46 off 34 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes. After that, Saren Gaikwad did the rest of the work with Ambati Raidu (30). His innings of 72 off 49 balls was arranged with 6 fours and 1 six.
Even if Daputa wins, Chennai is not gaining. Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team has already dropped out of the tournament. With three wins in a row, their current IPL season is coming to an end with 12 points from 14 matches. On the other hand, Punjab's hopes of playing in the play-offs survived. However, despite winning five matches in a row, Rahul lost two matches in a row.
They needed to win the last match. Chennai are fifth in the list with 12 points from 14 matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are in the top four, have kept alive their hopes of reaching the play-offs with equal points after playing less than one match. With 12 points from 13 matches, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have six net runs respectively.