IPL 2019 RR vs KXIP in pictures: Gayle-storm takes Kings XI Punjab to 14-run win against Rajasthan Royals-As it happened
See Pics: As it happened in Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019.
Kings XI Punjab began their IPL journey on a successful note as they defeated Rajasthan Royals by 14 runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday.
Chasing a target of 185, Rajasthan got off to a brisk start as openers Ajinkya Rahane and Jos Buttler built a solid 78-run partnership, which saw Buttler bringing his half-century off 29 balls.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bowled Rahane for 27. However, Rajasthan did not let the dismissal affect their momentum as Buttler along with Sanju Samson shrugged off the pressure with their 30-run stand.
Ashwin got a major breakthrough as he mankaded Buttler (69). On replays, the batsman was clearly out of the crease and was given out.
The game seemed much in favour of Rajasthan as Steve Smith and Samson kept ticking the scoreboard before Smith (20) gave a simple catch to KL Rahul. The tide turned soon after Samson's dismissal for 30 and Rajasthan faced lusty blows and unfortunately ended their chase on 170 for the loss of nine.
Given the opportunity to set a target, Punjab were powered to 184/4 by scintillating innings from Chris Gayle. The left-handed batsman smashed eight boundaries and four sixes in his 47-ball 79. The Universe Boss registered his 4000 IPL runs, becoming the fastest to reach the feat. Gayle found support in Sarfaraz Khan and the Punjab batsmen stitched together an 84-run stand, which also saw Gayle completing his half-century off 33 balls.
RR vs KXIP: The story of the match in pictures
Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and continued the trend of bowling first in this IPL so far.
Here's how it all unfolded: