Punjab Kings (PBKS) thrashed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets in the 43rd match of IPL 2021 in Dubai on Thursday.
MS Dhoni’s CSK posted 134/6 on the scoreboard after being put in to bat first. Opening batsman Faf du Plessis top-scored for CSK with 76 off 55 balls while Arshdeep Singh (2/35) and Chris Jordan (2/20) shined with the ball for Punjab.
The Preity Zinta co-owned franchise chased down the target comfortably with captain KL Rahul leading from the front, smashing an unbeaten 98 off 42 balls with the help of 7 fours and 8 sixes.
It was CSK’s third consecutive loss in the ongoing season as they earlier faced defeats against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC).
“It was really hot today. Plan was simple. The numbers guys pulled up a few permutations and combinations. They said if we chase this before 14 overs it gives us the best chance. So the plan was clear and I had the licence to go from ball 1,” said Rahul in the post-match presentation.
“[It was] one of those days when it comes off when you have complete clarity. All of the them hit the middle of the bat,” he added.
Here’s how Twitter reacted on PBKS’ thumping win over CSK:
What a knock by @klrahul11 ! Hats off in single handedly taking @PunjabKingsIPL to victory! #PBKSvCSK
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) October 7, 2021
Kamaal Rahul Ki Lajawaab Paari…aise hi khelte raho. 600+ runs in last four seasons. What. A. Player. #IPL2021 #PBKS
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 7, 2021
RUNS: 9⃣8⃣*
BALLS: 4⃣2⃣
SIXES: 8⃣
FOURS: 7⃣
SR: 2⃣3⃣3⃣.3⃣3⃣When KL Rahul bats like this, bowlers di length nu Kuch Kuch Honda Hai! 😉#CSKvPBKS #IPL2021
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 7, 2021
KL is all KLASS!
98 off 43 balls which included 7 fours and 8 sixes – 76 runs in boundaries.— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 7, 2021
Watching KL Rahul bat today was like being at an art gallery and seeing one jaw dropping exhibit after another.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 7, 2021
He won the game single handedly, but @klrahul11 will need a lot more hands to carry all those post game awards & trophies 😀🙌 pic.twitter.com/9svo6cl7DK
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) October 7, 2021
KL Rahul this has been a wonderful innings to watch 👏🏼🔥 #CSKvPBKS
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) October 7, 2021
#KLRahul is just a different beast when he breaks the shackles he imposes on himself. Hope he let's himself loose in the blues. Well played today. Absolutely brilliant.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) October 7, 2021
KL Rahul becomes the first batsman to complete 600 runs in #IPL2021.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 7, 2021
CSK bowlers to KL Rahul:#CSKvPBKS pic.twitter.com/7guNkqoIB1
— ComeOn Cricket 🏏🇮🇳 (@ComeOnCricket) October 7, 2021
98 runs off 42 balls!!
4s – 7, 6s – 8 !!!
Strike Rate – 233.33 !!KL Rahul for you 🥵🔥#CSKvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/91N7dEiuhO
— KL Rehul (@OrangeCapPopa) October 7, 2021
Dear Preity Zinta,
Don’t let this Rahul go away.
Zara apne Veer ko sambhal lena 🤗Regards,#SaddaPunjab @realpreityzinta @PunjabKingsIPL
— Tarun (@kaintguy) October 7, 2021
Clean hitting superb innings @klrahul11 👏👌
— Vinay6 (@RamKumarVarma15) October 7, 2021
