CSK vs PBKS Highlights, IPL 2021: KL Rahul hits unbeaten 98 as Punjab Kings steamroll Chennai Super Kings to stay alive

Into the stands and Punjab Kings have beaten Chennai Super Kings by 6 wickets. What a fabulous victory from Punjab Kings. They have knocked off the target in inside 14 overs, which has now propelled them over Mumbai Indians on the points table. If only this had come earlier in the tournament, PBKS could have breathed a lot easier. None the less, it's a win and an emphatic one for Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, CSK have been handed their third defeat on the bounce as the league stage of these two teams end. All over to tonight's game in Sharjah and the two lined up tomorrow to determine the fourth team that will join CSK, DC and RCB. If KKR win, the mystery could end tonight itself, but let's wait on that. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. We'll return tomorrow for the final two league games of IPL 2021.

OUT! Markram is out caught behind. PBKS lose their 3rd wicket but need just 9 off 47. A cross seam delivery from Thakur, Markram tries to play it through the off side on the up. Little extra bounce, the edge is taken and into the gloves of Dhoni.

This is a slugfest as far as Chennai Super Kings are concerned. KL Rahul is in another zone altogether. Back to back sixes from the skipper and PBKS are just 12 away from a win. He's made a mockery of this chase.

What timing, what bat flow, what a stroke, what a player. In the slot and Rahul just swings his arms in style. A bit of Viv Richards in the stroke from KL. And of course, that's another SIX, and that's another replacement ball.

Short of length from Bravo and Markram on the front foot, nails it into the stands. Another replacement ball comes in. PBKS are going at over 9 an over.

Here is an interesting stat: If Punjab Kings win this game in 14 overs, they will go above Mumbai Indians on NRR. That can of course change depending on how MI perform tomorrow. But judging by the shots Rahul us playing, he in in a hurry. 

OUT! Shahrukh Khan perishes for 8 but PBKS in control at 80/3 in nine overs. Tries to give it his all but the timings wasn't up to the mark. Birthday boy Dwayne Bravo takes a simple catch in the deep.

He is going down on one knee and hammering them out of the park. Almost a sweep shot from Rahul off and Chahar can't believe it. Dhoni meanwhile looks on in appreciation.

A quicker one from Jadeja but Shahrukh Khan dispatches it nonchalantly out of his sights. A huge six that goes over 95 metres.

A single down to long on brings up Rahul's half-century as he widens the gap between him and the second leading run-getter. His 27th of the IPL and this promises to be an extremely vital knock.

Oh goodness! KL Rahul is in that kind of nick today. He has hit nirvana. Flicks Thakur for a six off his legs and simply caresses the next ball through the off side. A lot like a punch off the backfoot. Stop him if you can. 

Two wickets in the same over hasn't done much to change Rahul's approach. He takes the aerial route again, clears the in field as the ball goes for a four. With that the 50 is up for the Kings, inside the Powerplay. They are miles ahead of CSK at this stage.

Thakur strikes again, the second time in the over as Sarfaraz Ahmed falls for a duck. A terrific running catch from Faf du Plessis. He isn't too thrilled after taking the catch. Hope there is nothing serious.

Well, what do you know. The ball tracker shows that it would have missed the leg stump.

OUT! Mayank Agarwal out LBW. He doesn't take the review and Shardul Thakur gives CSK their 1st wicket. Moves slightly across the stumps and it was worth reviewing. But after discussing with Rahul, Agarwal decides not to.

Woah! That was absolutely smoked. A beautiful crunching sound off the bat as Rahul tucks into Hazlewood. A brutal pull shots lands into the stands. That one has travelled. It'll be interesting to know the distance on that one.

He is growing in confidence in KL Rahul. His strike-rate is an impressive 225 at the moment, having raced to 27 off 13. After Agarwal takes a single, the skipper gets going with back-to-back boundaries off Hazlewood.

Chahar doesn't bowl to his field and has to pay the price for it. Mayank heaves the ball on the leg side and gets himself his first four of the innings. Punjab Kings collect 14 off the over. It's been a decent start for them after the first three overs. They are striking at 9 an over.

There you have it. The first authoritative stoke from the bat of Rahul and it lands into the empty stadiums. Slightly on his legs and Rahul swivels across in style to send the ball for a six. Tries a similar shot next ball but the timing wasn't as great. Still gets a couple of runs.

Orange Cap holder Rahul hasn't had the most convincing start and it reflected the last ball of Hazlewood's first over. The ball stops a little and lobs off the top half of Rahul's bat. Goes to the square of third man for a single, no harm done.

Rahul tries to go after Hazlewood but the ball takes the outside edge and hits Rahul on the visor of the helmet. Did not look too nasty but there will be a m mandatory concussion check. Thankfully, everything is fine and Rahul resumes to take strike.

Rahul plays the aerial drive again, but the ball once again flies off the outside edge of his bat and over the short third man fielder and slips. Not the most convincing two strokes from Rahul but on both occasions, he has been rewarded with a boundary.

A little risky from Rahul as he tries to go over the infield. But the swing from Deepak Chahar did not allow Rahul to get the timing right. Flies down wide of third man for a boundary. First four for PBKS and their skipper Rahul.

Chasing 135 is not going to be a cakewalk, but Punjab Kings need a strong start from KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal if they are to chase this down. Forget the NRR and other valuable. The first target for Punjab Kings would be to complete this chase and if possible, do it quickly to keep their campaign alive.

In a pretty ridiculous stat, if PBKS are to go over KKR in the points-table on the basis of a superior run-rate, they need to do it in 17 balls. Yes, let that sink in. That is not going to happen.