In the 22^nd match of VIVO IPL 2018, Kings XI Punjab defeated Delhi Daredevils by 4 runs in a thrilling match played at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi. Gambhir won the toss and decided to field first and the bowlers did a great job to restrict Kings XI Punjab to 143. Chasing 144, DD lost wickets, Iyer played a great knock but could not help the hosts to win the match.

Delhi Daredevils captain Gautam Gambhir won the toss and elected to field first. In today’s match, Chris Gayle was not included in the playing XI. Avesh Khan playing his first match of the tournament dismissed Aaron Finch for 2 runs. Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul added 38 runs for a 2^nd wicket. KL Rahul was brilliantly caught by Avesh Khan for 23 runs.

At the end of 6 overs, Kings XI Punjab scored 51 for 2. After the powerplay overs, Delhi Daredevils did not allow Kings XI Punjab batsmen to score runs easily and lost wickets at regular intervals. Yuvraj Sing contributed just 14 runs off 17 balls. Karun Nair was the top scorer for Kings XI Punjab with 34 runs and David Miller with 26 runs. It was a good bowling performance by Delhi Daredevils to restrict Kings XI Punjab to just 143 for 8 in 20 overs. For Delhi Daredevils, Liam Plunkett was the pick of bowlers with 3 for 18 from 4 overs.

Chasing a modest total of 144, the Under 19 winning team captain Prithvi Shaw began the innings on an aggressive note scoring 22 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed by Ankit Rajpoot. Glenn Maxwell also could not contribute much scoring 12 runs. Delhi Daredevils captain Gambhir was dismissed for 4 off 13 balls. At the end of 6 overs, DD scored 48 for 3.

After the power play overs, Mujeeb Ur Rahaman dismissed dangerous Pant for 4 runs. Christian could not contribute much scoring just 6 runs. Delhi Daredevils were struggling at 76 for 5. Iyer and Tewatia steadied the innings with a 47 runs stand for the 6^th wicket.  Tewatia got out when DD needed 21 runs off 12 balls.

Brainder Sran bowled a brilliant 19^th over giving away just 4 runs. With 17 runs needed off the final over, Iyer hit a six to reach his half-century off 41 balls. On the 5^th ball, Iyer hit a boundary and then was caught trying to smash a big shot. Delhi Daredevils scored 139 for 8 in 20 overs.

KXIP 143 for 8 in 20 overs ( Karun Nair 34, David Miller 26, Liam Plunkett 3/17) beat

DD 139 for 8 in 20 overs ( Iyer 57, Tewatia 24, Ankit Rajpoot 2/23, Andrew Tye 2/25, Mujeeb Ur Rahaman 2/25) by 4 runs.

DD captain Gambhir said: Losing three wickets in the first 6 overs, that made the chase tough for us. We have to win 7 games. Our bowling did a great job but our batting let us down. Avesh Khan bowled well while Shaw has a great talent and a player for the future.

KXIP captain R Ashwin said: It was a great bowling effort by our bowlers. To defend 144 was tough but Andrew Tye, Mujeeb Ur Rahaman and Ankit Rajpoot bowled consistent line and lengths. Andrew Tye bowled and did not DD batsmen to score runs.

Man of the match Ankit Rajpoot said: If we had to defend 144, the team needed early wickets to put pressure on Delhi Daredevils batsmen. Wanted to bowl wicket to wicket and not bowl many variations.  It was a great match with many twist and turns, happy for getting the win.

With this win, Kings XI Punjab goes to the top of points table with 10 points. The last time these two teams meet in this tournament, Kings XI Punjab defeated DD by 6 wickets.

Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Mumbai Indians at Wankedhe Stadium, Mumbai in tomorrow’s match.