KL Rahul smashes unbeaten 98 as Punjab beats CSK via six wickets

The strokeplay used to be iridescent. On a tough pitch KL Rahul struck the ball with grace, waft, timing and a refreshing sense of freedom. Proficient he’s. 

The swing of the bat used to be as easy because the willow hanging the ball. The sector streaked throughout the gaps, cleared the fence. The skin didn’t topic.

Skipper Rahul’s astonishing 98 now not out – he fittingly ended the fit with a thumping six off Shardul Thakur – off simply 42 deliveries with seven fours and a surprising 8 sixes enabled Punjab Kings race previous CSK’s 134 in handiest 13 overs with six wickets closing on this Indian Premier League (IPL) conflict at Dubai.   

Rahul’s blistering show of ball-striking gave his staff’s run-rate a spice up and lent Punjab Kings a glimmer of hope if the opposite effects went its means.

For CSK, struggling a hammering, this used to be its 3rd successive loss. 

READ: Rahul hits 98 as Punjab beats Chennai, 3rd loss in a row for CSK in IPL 2021

Punjab misplaced wickets alongside the way in which – Mayank Agarwal used to be desperately unfortunate to be adjudged leg-before to Thakur – however Rahul used to be in a special zone, hanging Josh Hazlewood over his head after which pulling the Aussie for a six and a 4.

He whipped bowlers for sixes. His off-drives had been beautiful. 

Rahul certainly used to be a one-man demolition military. Punjab used to be 51 for 2 after Powerplay, and Rahul’s contribution used to be 38.

He persisted in the similar means, clearing the fence without problems whilst he stayed balanced. Fittingly, Rahul delivered the overall blow. 

Previous, whilst wickets fell round him, opener Faf du Plessis (76 off 55)held the innings in combination, rotating the strike, hanging the peculiar giant blow. 

The Punjab Kings seamers hired the quick ball ploy capably and CSK, inserted, misplaced wickets on pitch that used to be moderately two-paced.

READ: IPL 2021: Who’s CSK’s new recruit Dominic Drakes?

The flexible left-armer Arshdeep Singh fed on the in-form Ruturaj Gaikwad at the pull with an average lifter.  

The left-handed Moeen Ali succumbed to a supply of raise and motion from Arshdeep.

CSK used to be 32 for 3 within the 7th over when Robin Uthappa pulled Chris Jordan to deep square-leg’s palms. And Ambati Rayudu’s tried slash off Jordan proved deadly. 

MS Dhoni’s issues in opposition to the googly persisted when Ravi Bishnoi castled the CSK skipper.  

The ball didn’t roll for CSK. Rahul used to be King.