XtraTime Web Desk: A thoroughly professional performance by KL Rahul with the bat and some stunning spin bowling by young Afghan Mujeeb Ur Rahman saw KXIP win a crucial game in the VIVO IPL against Rajasthan Royals to strengthen their chances to qualify for the play offs.
Given the short dimensions of the Holkar Stadium, the plausibility of dew impacting spinners in the second innings and the favourable chasing trend, Kings XI Punjab had to win two key phases in the game: the toss and their bowling performance. Kings XI did both. R Ashwin chose to chase and the bowlers, led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Andrew Tye, stifled Rajasthan Royals to 152, a score well below par in Indore.
Although Rajasthan Royals put in a spirited bowling performance of their own, KL Rahul expertly switched gears to finish with a match-winning 84 off 54 balls, his highest IPL score, to push Kings XI to third on the points table. Royals, with five losses in their last six games, retained their spot at the bottom of the points table.