Nicholas Pooran had previously made a Tweet that went viral after Kings XI Punjab’s recent loss to CSK. He had Tweeted this post his birthday on October 3rd, 2013, “Is there a better birthday gift than beating Chennai Super Kings?” Pooran played well against the Chennai-based side, though his team couldn’t capitalize on his positive batting.
The fans linked it with anticipation of beating CSK on Sunday but it turned something else. The West Indian may have not received the gift he desired by this tweet for CSK quite comfortably chased down the set target of 179.
How Did The Game Play Out And What Was The Result?
Nicolas Pooran’s 33 runs out off just 17 balls with KL Rahul’s contribution of 63 runs earlier helped KXIP to a total of 178. But to their disappointment, CSK were able to brush away their previous game misery to win this one in fine fashion with ten wickets intact.
Pooran is playing a reasonable campaign in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League. Though his start to the tournament, only bagging a duck against the Delhi Capitals, he quickly went back to his stride. Ever since then, the left-hander has threatened with some decent scores under his belt. He, sustain a total of 119 runs from the five games played with an average of 29.75.
On Sunday, he had a decent outing against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He came to bat at number four and contributed important run towards the end of KXIP batting innings. Pooran’s knock was laced with one four and three sixes. Fast bowler Shardul Thakur cut short his stay though which could otherwise be a magnificent inning.
Pooran’s efforts didn’t pay KXIP the victory they thought they will have. CSK didn’t put a foot wrong in working out their innings. It was also the first time, a chasing team managed to win in Dubai in IPL 2020 after seven straight losses.
The Tweet That Nicholas Pooran Had Sent Out About CSK
Is there a better birthday gift than beating chennai super kings?
— nicholas pooran #29 (@nicholas_47) October 3, 2013
Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson stole the show in CSK’s run-chase. The duo put on 181 runs for the opening wicket off a mere 17.4 overs. It was the Aussie who grabbed the man of the match award by scoring 83 runs off 53 deliveries. This was the brightest innings from Watson in this edition of the IPL so far. He was assisted by Faf Du Plessis. The South African carried on with his rich vein of form in the tournament. He notched 87 runs off 53 balls with the help of 11 fours and a six.
In the powerplay, both stoked 46 runs and there was no stopping them. The Punjab bowlers had absolutely no answers to stop steamrolling performance by the resurgent CSK openers.
However, this was just one dominant win for CSK, who have been struggling to find their form. They have seen their ups and downs in the current competition and will want to be more consistent. MS Dhoni knows what his team exactly needs and hopefully, they can really find their form.
The tournament is slowing picking up the pace and the teams need to cope with it. Hopefully, for CSK, the openers are just beginning to click at the right time now.
