A splendid bowling performance by Kings XI Punjab coupled with KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal's brilliant century stand got the Shers over the line in an unlikely thriller at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Monday.
Photo: SPORTZPICSRahul, who has hit three half centuries in his last four games, expressed his delight following his return to form and hinted that the camaraderie he shares with Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal has been instrumental in helping him find his rhythm.
The opener, who was named Man of the Match for his unbeaten 71 that saw KXIP home, particularly credited Agarwal for his sturdy half-century in the victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
"The way Mayank came out, the way he was striking gave me a little bit of time," said Rahul, referring to the 114-run stand between the duo, Kings' highest against SRH yet.
The opener also revealed that Agarwal, who scored a 43-ball 55, was carrying an injury during the chase, making his knock all the more commendable.
"He hurt his finger, he was in pain, to play that sort of innings was incredible," Rahul exclaimed.
Agarwal perished at the start of the 18th over, triggering a mini-collapse, as KXIP went from 132/1 to 140/4 in a space of 12 balls and resulted in a tense finish that ended with a ball to spare.
"With 19 off 19, somebody had to take a chance," Agarwal explained his dismissal where he holed out to deep midwicket. "Definitely some nerves.
"(Rahul and I) enjoy batting together," he added. "I am glad he was there till the end and could finish game off."
