Published: Mar 26, 2019, 12:35 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 26, 2019, 12:35 AM (IST)
Punjab opener Chris Gayle is a happy man after putting in a match-winning performance with the bat that set up his team’s 14-run win over Rajasthan in Jaipur on Monday night.
Gayle was slow off the blocks after Punjab were put in to bat by Rajasthan captain Ajinkya Rahane in the match 4 of Indian T20 League at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
He had scored 10 off 14 in the powerplay overs as Punjab made a slow start. Eventually, he opened up thwacking Rajasthan bowlers all over the park. He eventually finished on 79 off 47 with eight fours and four sixes helping his team to a competitive 184/4.
I have been in a bit of form in the England series and it’s good to start off the IPL on a positive note. What was more important is that we got a win. We just keep getting better and better. Sometimes some people will write you off but it’s still early days and I’m enjoying my cricket,” Gayle said during the post-match presentation.
For his 25th half-century in the league, Gayle was awarded the man-of-the-match.
In reply to Punjab’s 184, Rajasthan made a terrific start before losing their way and eventually crumbling to 170/9.
Punjab, thus, completed their first ever win against Rajasthan in Jaipur. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ankit Rajpoot and Sam Curran took a couple of wickets each.
Gayle said the batting conditions became better as the game progressed, but Punjab bowlers did the job. “Eventually they got a better wicket to bat on but our bowlers did the job the for us. Sarfaraz got some runs today and it was really good. Our youngsters have a lot to offer for the team, they want to win the IPL for the Universe Boss,” he quipped.
