Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings, 18th Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Pre-match reading

Purnima sets the game up nicely in her preview. "CSK have the lowest average, second-lowest run-rate and have lost the joint-most wickets inside the first six overs this powerplay. KXIP are the best PP bowling side in this tournament."

Read the full preview here.

Prelude: KXIP v CSK

Bottom dwellers and Chennai Super Kings in the same sentence is something you would have never dared to imagine all these years in the IPL. For a side that has always ensured they finish in the top 4, CSK are struggling big time this season. They have easily been the worst team this edition with their struggles mostly revolving around the willow in hand. Despite opening the campaign with a comprehensive win over nemesis Mumbai Indians, they have managed to lose three in a row now and the rut needs to stop.

Ahead of their fourth game, MS Dhoni spoke about the need to get off to a good start with the bat but nothing changed despite dropping Murali Vijay. Ambati Rayudu's return did little and Faf du Plessis finally had a bad game after carrying that batting lineup in the first three encounters.

Shane Watson's form has been a huge cause for concern and it remains to be seen if he is given another opportunity tonight. There is a case for Sam Curran to be promoted as he has shown plenty of promise with the bat so far chipping in with cameos down the order. Rayudu, who delivered on the opening night, will have to shoulder more responsibility. And Dhoni, without a doubt, has to show more intent and not leave it too late. In the three defeats so far, CSK left things too late and needed more than 70 runs off the last 4 overs in each occasion. In order to make life easier, runs will have to come in the first half of the innings.

But how easy is it going to be for them tonight? They are up against the only side that is on the same boat as they are in terms of points. Kings XI Punjab have also fetched only a solitary win so far but the only similarity between these two sides is in that points column. KXIP have looked a lot better than CSK this season and had made the most of their opportunities, they could have easily had a 3-1 record by now in their favour instead of 1-3. Their openers have been amazing so far and the middle order is largely untested and that is one area where focus is required. Their death bowling has been poor and Chris Jordan is expected to bolster it tonight.

Even though these are early days in the tournament, the team that loses tonight will start to press the panic button already and that makes it an extremely vital clash. Welcome to the live blog for this intriguing second game of the day.