2 weeks ago
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Punjab Kings (PBKS) equaled a unique record with their latest win over CSK. The 2014 finalists beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the fifth consecutive game between the teams, a record which is held only by Mumbai Indians. From October 7, 2021 to date, PBKS has not lost a game over the five-time champions.
In the period, CSK had some of its best teams. In 2021 and 2023, they won their fourth and fifth title respectively. Only in 2022, they were slightly off-colour. The North Indian franchise has defeated CSK in their own backyard two times in a row, which is a rare feat in itself. Barring MI, no other team has dominated CSK in five consecutive games in the league.
From 2018 to 2019, MI had won five matches in a row against CSK. In 2019, MI defeated CSK in all the four games. In the group stage, Mumbai Indians beat CSK both home and away. In the qualifier 1, MI beat CSK in their own backyard and became the first team to hand two home defeats to CSK in the same season. In the final, MI won a thriller against CSK in Hyderabad by a solitary run.
PBKS keep their playoff chances alive
The win for PBKS against CSK was essential. After losing a lot of games in the mid-tournament, they needed to win a majority of them. The journey started for PBKS when they beat KKR in their own backyard. They continued the winning momentum by beating CSK by seven wickets, thanks to a brilliant bowling effort by the spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar.
Opting to bowl first, PBKS restricted CSK to a total of just 162 runs. Rahul Chahar and Harpreet claimed 2/16 and 2/17 in their four overs, respectively, which was a knockout punch to CSK's chances of winning the match. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 62 runs but did not get enough support from the other end. With the bat, Jonny Bairstow scored 46 runs and starred in the run chase.
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