Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by nine wickets, ending their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Sunday.After electing to bowl first, CSK floundered in the powerplay as KXIP openers KL Rahul (29) and Mayank Agarwal (26) led them to a healthy 55/1 after six overs.
However, Dhoni’s side soon turned the tables as they assumed control of the match with quick wickets thanks to Lungi Ngidi (3/39). Still, Deepak Hooda’s unbeaten 62-run knock late in the innings guided a lacklustre Punjab to 153/6 at the end of 20 overs.In their chase, Chennai started off brilliantly with the help of Faf du Plessis’ 48 which put them on 57/0 at the end of the powerplay. After the South African departed, his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad (62*) carried on with the momentum and chased down the target with the help of Ambati Rayudu (30*) with seven balls to spare.
