IPL 2020 , CSK vs KXIP:Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis turns star in CSK’s 10-wicket trounce KXIP as MS Dhoni & Co. bounce back in IPL 13

October 4, 2020

KEY STORY

Match 18 of the ongoing IPL 2020 edition saw two struggling teams in the form of MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab in Dubai on Sunday (October 4). Eventually, CSK emerged on top without much discomfort as they rolled over the KXIP line-up by 10 wickets, in pursuit of 179.
Batting first, Rahul-led KXIP started off nicely with their in-form openers in Mayank Agarwal and the skipper leading from the front. However, Mayank and No. 3 batsman Mandeep Singh returned back after getting starts.

This didn’t deter Rahul’s approach, who added vital stands with Mayank, Mandeep and Nicholas Pooran to hit most consecutive fifty-plus scores versus the opposition, joining David Warner, Virat Kohli and Andre Russell in the process. In addition, Rahul regained the Orange Cap. After Shardul Thakur’s late strikes, KXIP couldn’t finish off in the desired manner as the Yellow Army once again restricted the opposition in the death overs, for 178/4.
In reply, CSK still had a tough ask as their batting has been a big concern so far. Nonetheless, a different mindset was witnessed by their openers as out-of-form Shane Watson (83*) and Faf-du-Plessis led the charge.

A special knock from Shane Watson gets him the Man of the Match award for his scintillating knock of 83* off 53 deliveries.

Watto knock 👌👌 #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/hLB85ScCAG

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 4, 2020

United diagnosticss

Unacademy Lets Crack It Sixes of the Match award goes to Shane Watson@unacademy #LetsCrackIt #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/af7WBHoezs

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 4, 2020

Watson, in particular, started on a confident note, who improved his head position and attacked the poor deliveries with ease. On the other hand, Du Plessis (87*) struck at over 140.
Their change in approach finally ensured the CSK camp were off to a flyer. So far, their powerplay overs have pushed them back in run-chases and put them on the back foot at half-stage.
However, nothing of that sort happened as a relaxed Dhoni was noticed in the dressing room. Courtesy their unbeaten stand, Watson-Faf also stitched the highest partnership, for any wicket, for the CSK line-up.
On the other hand, KXIP’s bowling attack had few new faces in the form of Chris Jordan and Harpreet Brar, but none maintained their line and lengths and offered freebies regularly.