Consolation win for Punjab

KL Rahul’s scintillating 36-ball-71 paved the way for a consolation six-wicket victory for Kings XI Punjab here Sunday but not before Chennai Super Kings ensured a top-two finish with chance to play the first IPL Qualifier at their happy hunting home ground Chepauk.

With nothing to lose in the final game of the season, Rahul, Chris Gayle (28 off 28 balls) and Nicholas Pooran (36 off 22 balls) were the key contributors in KXIP’s successful chase of 171 in in 18 overs.

However CSK will be happy that with a net run-rate of +0.131 which is far better than Delhi Capitals’ (+0.044), the defending champions will remain in the top two with two clear shots at summit clash qualification even if MI beat KKR in the evening game.

SCORES IN BRIEF

Chennai: 170 for 5 in 20 overs (Du Plessis 96, Raina 53; Curran 3-35)

Punjab: 173 for 4 in 18 overs (Rahul 71, Gayle 28; Harbhajan 3-57)

Result: Punjab won by 6 wickets.