IPL 2018: Match 38, Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals – Statistical Highlights

Riding on Mujeeb Ur Rahman and KL Rahul’s individual brilliances, Kings XI Punjab beat Rajasthan Royals by six wickets to edge closer to the playoffs. Bowling first, the Kings XI restricted the Royals to a modest 152 for 9.

At 84 for 2, the Royals were looking on their way to post big. However, once Andrew Tye castled Sanju Samson, it opened the floodgates. From 84 for 2, Royals found themselves 100 for 4 and later 114 for 7. Mujeeb was the destructor-in-chief, dismissing Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer to derail Royals’ innings. Shreyas Gopal’s 24-run cameo then helped Royals put up a respectable total.

In reply, the Kings XI reached home in the 19th over with KL Rahul remaining unbeaten on 84 off 54 balls.

With the game now all done, here is a look at some interesting numbers:

1. The chasing team is yet to lose a game at the Holkar Stadium. Teams batting second have won all the seven games at this venue.

2. Ajinkya Rahane batted at No.3 or lower position in the IPL for only second time since the start of 2012. The Royals skipper had batted at No.3 in 2014 against Chennai Super Kings where he scored 4 off 7 balls.

3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman bagged the Man of the Match award for his spell of 3 for 27. It made him the youngest player to receive a Man of the Match award in the league. The Afghan sensation received the award at the age of 17 years and 39 days, surpassing Washington Sundar who had received such an award last year at the age of 17 years and 229 days.

4. KL Rahul‘s 44-ball fifty in this game is his slowest fifty in the IPL. His previous slowest fifty came off 42 balls against Mumbai Indians in 2016.

5. Rahul’s unbeaten 84 in this game is his highest individual score in the IPL. His previous highest score was 68* which came against Mumbai Indians in 2016.

6. The 23-run opening stand between Chris Gayle and KL Rahul is the lowest in the six matches they have batted together this season. They put on fifty-plus stands in each of the previous five matches.