Chris Gayle did not play for Kings XI Punjab in the first 6 matches of this year's IPL. And this time the team also won only one match.
However, after the arrival of the Caribbean star, Lokesh Rahul has won all the 5 matches. Gayle contributed to each of these. In their last match, Punjab won by relying on its stormy fifty.
Punjab beat Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets in the half-century of Chris Gayle and Mandeep Singh at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Captain Rahul and Mandeep scored 47 runs in the opening match with a target of 150 runs. However, Rahul returned with a personal 26 off Varun Chakraborty.
However, the second wicket partnership almost ensured the victory of Punjab. Mandeep and Gayle formed a 100-run partnership. Gayle made 51 off just 29 balls with 2 fours and 5 sixes. Mandeep remained unbeaten on 7 off 57 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Before losing the toss, Kolkata batted first and scored 149 runs for the loss of 9 wickets at the end of the allotted over. Gill scored 56 off 45 balls. In the end, Loki Ferguson made 24 off 13 balls but none of the others reached the double digits.
Among Punjab bowlers, Mohammad Shami took maximum 3 wickets. Chris Jordan and Ravi Vishwanai took two wickets each.
Chris Gayle won the match best award for his excellent batting.
Meanwhile, Punjab came up at number 4 in the victory. And Kolkata went down to five.