NEWS
Follow UsClarity over style of play and the number of overs to achieve the target of 135 were behind his epic 42-ball 98 against Chennai Super Kings, said Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul on Thursday. Rahul's clubbed seven boundaries and eight sixes in his flawless knock as Punjab reached the target in 13 overs and six wickets in hand at Sharjah to keep their play-offs hopes alive.
"The numbers guys told us a few permutations and combinations. We wanted to score it before 14 overs. Just one of those days when it comes off. Had complete clarity of what I wanted to do," Rahul said in the post-match presentation.
After the win, Punjab now have a net run-rate of -0.001 and are fifth in the standings behind Kolkata Knight Riders. They will hope KKR lose against Rajasthan Royals in the second match of Thursday and their NRR falls into negative. Rahul admitted that he had doubts about his approach to the game but was glad he was able to take his team over the line.
"I felt like I may end up letting the team down if I play how I want to play. But today, this was how I needed to play. Today was one of those days where I could hit every ball. No better feeling than hitting the ball from the middle of the bat," he said.
CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was confident that the team will bounce back from three consecutive losses and do well in the play-offs.
"You have to cope with these results. I don't think we were lacking in terms of mindset or skills. In a league like this you have to be at your best always," Dhoni said.