Preity Zinta’s new look, Kings XI Punjab, continued to motor on with their winning ways with the large contingent of Karnataka and RCB players, looking to make individual statements.
With a little assistance from rain, Gayle finished off the formalities by a margin of nine-wickets for his side with DLS method, to top the charts of IPL with eight points in five games.
Here is a look at the game-changing moments.
Lynnsanity strikes at Edens’
Chris Lynn struck his runs at a rapid pace with his stand out score of 74 off just 41 balls. One doubted his hitting abilities when he was looking scratchy during the earlier matches.
However, on a hot and humid day match, Lynn entertained the crowd with six boundaries and four maximums. One of which was a 102-m hit, the second longest hit of the tournament so far after Russell’s 104-m six.
DK’s finishing knock
DK looked in a brilliant touch when he scored his quickfire 28-ball 43. His knock ensured the momentum set up by Lynn was not lost after his dismissal and KKR reaches a score above 190.
However, it would have been ideal if he had managed to stay at the crease till the end, which would have taken the score over the 200.
KXIP bowlers restrictive bowling
When Lynn and Uthappa went ballistic at the top of the order for Knight Riders, the expected score for KXIP to chase down was about 220.
However, the likes of Tye and Ashwin helped their side restrict the hosts to a score of 191, 30 below par. It also affected their DLS score which came into effect later.
KL Rahul explosive knock
Man of the match, KL Rahul scored an explosive 27-ball 60, carrying on from his extraordinary hitting form. His effortless strokeplay contained nine breezy boundaries and a couple of maximums.
Rahul matched the Gayle stroke by stroke and often surpassed him in strike-rates. The two former RCB men have wreaked havoc this year in the IPL.
A determined Universe Boss
The eleventh season of IPL saw a more hungry, determined, and aggressive player, as compared to the last season where he consumed way too many balls to get going finally.
However, the man who claimed Sehwag saved the IPL by picking him, scored a trademark Gayle knock of 63 which came off just 38 balls. His knock consisted of six maximums and five boundaries.