IPL 2018: Rahul, Nair help Kings XI to a formidable victory over Daredevils

Half-centuries by Opener KL Rahul (51 off 16 balls; six fours and four sixes) and Karun Nair (50 off 33 balls; five fours and two sixes) ensured an easy Punjab victory over Delhi Daredevils as the Ravichandran Ashwin-led side chased down a target of 167 with six wickets in hand and seven balls to spare. Rahul smashed all IPL records en-route his half-century off just 14 balls, which included six fours and four maximums.

After winning the toss and inviting Delhi to bat first, Punjab restricted the Daredevils at a modest total of 166-7 in the allotted 20 overs at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. Mohit Sharma (2-33) and 17-year-old wonder Kid from Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman (2-28) picked up two wickets each in their quota of four overs for Punjab. Although he did not pick up any wickets, Captain Ashwin too bowled an economic spell, conceding just 23 runs in his four overs.

Earlier, fifty from Captain Gautam Gambhir (55 off 42 balls; five fours and one six) and cameos from Rishabh Pant (28 off 13 balls; four fours and one six) and Chris Morris (27 off 16 balls; one four and one six) helped Delhi set a modest, yet respectable total of 166.

But an inspired Punjab won the match with seven balls still to play and six wickets in hands.

In the second encounter on Sunday, Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens.