Chennai Super Kings breathed new life into their 2020 Indian Premier League campaign with a thumping 10-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab in Dubai.

Having lost three matches on the bounce previously, CSK finally found some joy after a sensational and unbeaten opening stand between Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis. The two veterans made a mockery of the 179-run target set by KXIP, with Chennai stitching up victory with more than two overs to spare.

It meant that KL Rahul’s hard-fought 63 went in vain, with the KXIP skipper unable to prevent a fourth defeat in five matches for his side.

Earlier in the day, Mumbai Indians seized top spot in the league standings after a 34-run victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Sharjah. Quinton de Kock’s return to form saw the defending champions post a challenging total of 208-5, despite some excellent bowling from SRH spinner Rashid Khan.

In reply, SRH were unable to keep up with the asking rate after the fall of skipper David Warner for a well made 60. An all-round showing from Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya was at the heart of Mumbai’s third victory of the season.