Proteas fast-bowler Lungi Ngidi took 3-39 in his four overs in an important nine-wicket victory for the Chennai Super Kings over the Kings XI Punjab on Sunday.
With the KXIP on an excellent run of results and firmly in contention to secure a spot in the playoffs, Ngidi delivered a stellar performance with the ball to help restrict KL Rahul’s men, who batted first in Abu Dhabi.
Rahul and his opening partner Mayank Agarwal were both clean bowled by Ngidi for respective scores of 29 and 26.
Imran Tahir accounted for the big wicket of Chris Gayle, who could only manage 12 when he was trapped in front by the Proteas spinner.
Shardul Thakur and Ravi Jadeja also got in on the action with wickets of their own before Ngidi picked up his third scalp by dismissing Jimmy Neesham for only two.
Deepak Hooda top scored with an unbeaten 62 as the KXIP managed to post 153-6 in their 20 overs.
In response, Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad shared a fantastic 82-run partnership for the opening wicket before the Proteas batsman was dismissed by Chris Jordan for 48.
Gaikwad would, however, reach his half-century, while Ambati Rayudu added a quick-fired 30 as CSK cruised past KXIP in the penultimate over of the match.
