Gayle helps Punjab to victory, Russell fires in loss

DELHI, India, CMC – Chris Gayle smashed a swashbuckling 40 from 24 balls to help his Kings XI Punjab to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians when action in the Indian Premier League continued on Saturday.

Gayle’s knock allowed his team to easily overtake Mumbai’s total of 176 for seven from their 20 overs.

He lashed four sixes and three boundaries, as he dominated an opening partnership of 53 between himself and Kannaur Rahul, who scored an unbeaten 71, as Punjab finished on 177 for two in 18.4 overs.

However, the news wasn’t as good for Andre Russell, who despite slamming his second straight half-century, was not enough to prevent his Kolkata Knight Riders from coming up just short against the Delhi Capitals.

In a thrilling contest, KKR lost in the one over eliminator after they could only score 7-1 in pursuit of the Capitals’ 10-1.

The eliminator was needed after KKR made 185 for eight off their 20 overs, with Russell topscoring with 62 runs from 28 balls. He clobbered six sixes and four fours in his knock. The Capitals ended on 185 for six from their 20 overs, thanks mainly to a superb 99 from Prithvi Shaw.

With a Super Over needed to decide the winner, Pant returned to score an unbeaten six as the Capitals mustered 10 for one.

This time around Russell made just four as Kagiso Rbada bowled a spectacular over in which he conceded just seven runs, while also claiming Russell’s prized wicket.