Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils, 2nd Match

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DD 166/7 (20.0 Ovs)

KXIP 167/4 (18.5 Ovs)

Kings XI Punjab won by 6 wkts

PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Lokesh Rahul

So that concludes the first game of the double-header. Hop tabs to get all the action from the big game KKR v RCB. The pitch seems to be a very good one with even grass covering. Mitch Johnson v the likes of Kohli, AB, McCullum and QdK is going to be mouth-watering if Johnson gets it right. See ya there!

KL Rahul (Man of the Match): "I just went in there and I just took off. I didn't plan this innings. I was just watching the ball and getting into good positions. It's an opener's responsibility to get the team off to a good start. Really happy that it came off today. I was striking the ball really well, but it's important to forget this innings and move on to the coming games. I don't want to be overconfident. I have been branded as a Test cricketer for 4-5 years, so it's good for me to be up there creating history and breaking the record (for the fastest IPL fifty)."

Ashwin: "There is lesser pressure now. I had a bit of nerves going in for the toss. Feeling a bit relieved now. I had some elaborate plans going in the practice games. KL Rahul and the other guys helped me execute them. It doesn't matter if it's a left-arm spinner to a left-hander or a right-arm spinner for a right hander. I think it's just the perception that one has and I would like to think my best bowlers are the best bowlers and if they get hit, so be it, we will try and chase it down. That's the thought process. I wanted a lot of guys to have a good hit and we batted well today."

autam Gambhir: "I thought that we got a decent total on the board but in the first 6 overs (of the chase), they put it beyond us. Credit to our bowlers, they fought back well to drag it into the 19th over. (Whether DD were short of runs) No, I thought that 160-165 was a good total because the old ball wasn't easy to get away. Hence, the first 6 overs were key. (On DD's fine support staff) Yes, we have a good start with Ricky and many others in the backroom staff. Hopefully we can get things right."

So a victorious start for captain Ashwin. The fans are elated. Clearly Delhi Daredevils did not get enough on the board. Gambhir and Pant were the only ones to bat briskly before Morris did his bit. But how well did KL Rahul bat? Came out with a positive intent and took Boult for 16 runs in the very first over to set the tone. Shami too wasn't spared. Amit Mishra got no respect whatsoever. 4 6 6 4 4 was the sequence of the over and in the process he also recorded the fastest ever IPL fifty off just 14 balls. Karun Nair chipped in with a fine fifty and then senisble batting ensured they were home with 7 balls to spare.