Chris Gayle played a key role in Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) convincing 8-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Sharjah on Monday (October 26).
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Chasing 150 to win, the southpaw smashed 51 off 29 balls and shared an unbeaten 100-run partnership with Mandeep Singh (66* off 56 balls) to take his team over the line with 7 balls to spare.
Speaking after the match, the 41-year-old Gayle said the youngsters in his team keep on asking him not to retire from the shortest format of the game.
"I have a good feeling about myself and the team. Just capitalising on it, but still, a long way to go. We had two very good spinners, we had to make a quick adjustment. Quickly assess what they were doing. And once you get going, you ease the pressure off Mandeep as well. Sunil has got me out so many times. He is the best spinner in the world. So when you get a wicket like this, when it is not turning much, you got to cash in. Mandeep is going through a lot," Gayle said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Mandeep lost his father last week and Gayle said that the entire team has decided to keep on giving match-winning performances for him.
"Mandeep is going through a lot. Last game we said we want to win it for him. So beautiful to watch him in the middle pointing out to his father watching from above. And dad, my dad, I love you. Today the coach asked the senior players, we need to step up in crucial games, I am glad we were able to put my hand up. And the youngsters in the team are telling me, don't retire," Gayle remarked.
Earlier, Punjab won the toss and restricted KKR to 149/9 in 20 overs. Mohammad Shami was the stand-out bowler for KXIP, claiming 3 wickets by conceding 35 runs in his four overs. Chris Jordan (2-25) and Ravi Bishnoi (2-20) also picked up two wickets each.
With this victory, Kings XI also overtook Knight Riders in the points table and are now at the fourth position.
KXIP will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next game on October 30.
