KATHMANDU, Nov 1: Ruturaj Gaikwad, a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman, scored third consecutive half-century to guide his team to a comfortable nine-wicket victory against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
Chasing a target of 154, CSK made a formidable start with openers Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad adding 62 in the first seven overs. KXIP got du Plessis for 48 in the 10th over but CSK was well placed to chase the total at all stages. Gaikwad got another 50 this season – his third consecutive fifty of the season – as CSK raced towards the target and reached there with seven balls to spare. Gaikwad finished unbeaten on 62 runs off 49 balls.
India's Gaikwad hits seven sixes in one over
This victory means KXIP have been knocked out of the race to the playoffs. They are in the fifth position in the points table with 12 points from the 14 matches. CSK is in the seventh position.
Earlier, CSK won the toss and elected to field. Mayank scored a brisk 26 off just 15 balls before Ngidi shattered his stumps. Rahul followed soon after, bowled by Ngidi, again, for 29. Shardul Thakur reaped rewards for four quiet overs after the Powerplay as Nicholas Pooran inside-edged behind to the 'keeper Dhoni. Imran Tahir then trapped Chris Gayle lbw to put CSK on top.
