IPL 2020: KXIP beat SRH by 12 runs, Punjab won a closer game

Match 43 of the IPL 2020: KXIP makes it four wins on the trot as KL Rahul & Co. beat SRH to complicate playoff battle in IPL 2020.

Opting to bowl first, Warner & Co. had to strive hard to attain their first breakthrough. However, KXIP lost Mandeep Singh for 17 as Sandeep Sharma struck early. Nonetheless, the youngster was lauded on social media platforms as he came out to open despite losing his father last evening. He was a replacement for the injured Mayank Agarwal.

KL Rahul once again was off to a solid start before Rashid Khan, Sandeep, and Jason Holder's regular breakthroughs dented KXIP. From 66 for 1, they were soon reduced to 88 for 5. From thereon, the innings never got any flourish as Glenn Maxwell once again failed whereas Nicholas Pooran's 28-ball 32* took KXIP to 127/7.

In reply, SRH was off to a flyer. Riding on the top pair of Warner and Jonny Bairstow, the SRH duo posted 56 for the first wicket, inside 7 overs, which laid a comprehensive platform. However, Warner tried to be too cheeky as he was well-caught by Rahul off Ravi Bishnoi. On the other hand, Bairstow was troubled by leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin before falling prey to him. 

From 56 for no loss, Hyderabad was suddenly 67 for 3 with KXIP back in the contest. What followed was some tight bowling as Rahul brought in Mohammed Shami and continued with Bishnoi and Murugan. However, Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar got along for the fourth-wicket and kept the runs coming, although at a slow pace.

With no scoreboard pressure as such, due to a brisk start and low total to chase, SRH were kept in the hunt despite some good fielding from KXIP. Against the run of play, Pandey fell for a 23-ball 15 as he went for a big hit but was beautifully caught by J Suchith at the deep off Chris Jordan. Shankar fell soon after the throw from Pooran hit him severely while sneaking a single.

Jordan's double-wicket three-run over, bowling the 19th, turned the tides for KXIP, who remained brave and determined throughout their defense. Arshdeep Singh's 3 for 23 took his side home. 

With this close win, KXIP now has four back-to-back wins to now have 10 points. They have further complicated the battle for the 4th spot as the playoffs race quickens.