Sam Curran’s previous highest score in the Indian Premier League was an unbeaten 63.
Indian Premier League, Chennai
Chennai Super Kings 190 (19.2 overs): Curran 88 (47); Chahal 4-32
Punjab Kings 194-6 (19.4 overs): Iyer 72 (41), Prabhsimran 54 (36)
Punjab Kings secured a four-wicket victory
Chennai Super Kings’ play-off hopes have ended after a defeat to Punjab Kings, despite an impressive 88 from Sam Curran.
The England all-rounder posted his best IPL score as Chennai reached 190 all out, but Punjab ultimately chased down the target with two deliveries to spare, winning by four wickets despite late nerves.
Shreyas Iyer led the chase with a composed 72, and opener Prabhsimran Singh contributed 54, leaving Punjab requiring just six runs from the final two overs.
Iyer fell with nine balls remaining, quickly followed by Suryansh Shedge for one, but Marco Jansen steered the visitors home with an inside edge for four.
Chennai Super Kings, five-time IPL champions, have now confirmed their elimination after suffering an eighth loss in ten matches this season.
Punjab climb from fifth to second place, moving within a point of table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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Curran, who was named player of the tournament in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup win, was omitted from the national white-ball squads earlier this year, missing tours of India and the Champions Trophy.
After registering single-digit scores in his previous three IPL innings, the 26-year-old anchored a batting unit that has struggled throughout this campaign.
He struck nine boundaries and four sixes, largely targeting the leg-side fence against his former franchise.
Curran departed in the 18th over, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw six wickets fall within 12 deliveries, including a hat-trick from leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
Chahal claimed four wickets in the penultimate over, dismissing MS Dhoni, then Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad in successive balls.
Rajasthan Royals will next face Mumbai Indians, offering 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi another opportunity to shine following his remarkable century on Monday.
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