Punjab Kings upset Chennai Super Kings by 11 runs in an IPL thriller on Monday, with Shikhar Dhawan scoring a brilliant 88 not out to overcome Ambati Rayudu in the battle of batting heroics. In a 59-ball outstanding undefeated knock, Dhawan smashed nine fours and two sixes to lead Punjab to 187 for 4 after being put to bat. Despite Rayudu's spectacular 39-ball 78, which included seven fours and six sixes, Punjab restricted CSK to 176 for 6. Dhawan also became only the second hitter in IPL history to reach 6,000 runs, following Virat Kohli.
CSK required 27 runs from the final over, setting the platform for Dhoni to recreate his brilliant closing performance against Mumbai Indians in their previous encounter.
Dhoni struck Rishi Dhawan (2/39) for a six in the first ball, but the renowned wicketkeeper batsman was caught at deep midwicket two balls later, and CSK's innings was ended.
Someone had to get the boundaries for CSK with the asking rate crossing 11 an over so early, and veteran Rayudu proved his class here. At the midway point, he smashed a massive six off Rishi Dhawan to move CSK to 69 for 3.
With singles and doubles, Dhawan and Rajapaksa kept the scoreboard ticking, although without too many boundaries. Punjab was 72 for 1 at the midway point thanks to the duo.
Punjab had the advantage of just losing one wicket in the opening half of their innings, which they exploited later in the innings.