5 moments from the RPS vs KXIP match that don’t fade away

Kings XI Punjab were bowled out for 73 - their lowest total in IPL history in the last league game of IPL 10. It was a dismal performance from Punjab in a virtual quarter-final while Pune raised their game when it mattered the most.were bowled out for 73 - their lowest total in IPL history in the last league game of IPL 10. It was a dismal performance from Punjab in a virtual quarter-final while Pune raised their game when it mattered the most.

Pune clasped the game by the throat right from ball one when Martin Guptill fell to Jaydev Unadkat. Thereafter, one wicket fell after another. Shardul Thakur finished with three wickets, while Zampa, Christian and Unadkat had two.Zampa, Christian and Unadkat had two.

In the easy and quick chase, Rahane made 34, Tripathi 28 and Smith 15 as Pune won by 9 wickets with 8 overs to spare. Here are 5 memorable moments from the match that don't fade away, quite like the Axe Signature range of body perfumes.

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#1 Jaydev Unadkat’s bowling and fielding

Jaydev Unadkat, the young Saurashtra seamer has played a quiet and unassuming role in the revival of Pune's campaign. He replaced Ashoke Dinda and has taken at least a wicket in every match he has featured in.

On a crucial day, he set the trend up front when he snapped up Martin Guptill with the very first ball. The ball was a length ball on off and Guptill tried to drive it on the up, but ended up spooning it to Manoj Tiwary at short cover.up, but ended up spooning it to Manoj Tiwary at short cover.

If this was not enough, his agility in the field gave a glimpse of his abilities when he swooped down on a ball at mid-on, dived and then hit the wicket at the non-striker's end to find Morgan short. He, then, moved swiftly to his left at short fine leg to take a sharp catch to dismiss Rahul Tewatia, before returning with the ball to send Swapnil Singh packing.

#2 Shardul Thakur’s spell

This was a dream spell by Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur proved why the selectors always show so much faith in him and why he is the first choice backup option for Team India. Thakur was simply incredible today. He gave Pune their dream start by claiming three important wickets within the powerplay at an economy of 4.75.

Marsh handed Steve Smith a simple catch at mid off, Maxwell clipped it straight to Rahane at deep backward square, and Tewatia was run-out by a direct hit from Unadkat. This was a dream spell by Shardul Thakur.

#3 Dhoni’s 100th dismissal behind the stumps in IPL

Dhoni became only the second wicketkeeper after Dinesh Karthik to complete 100 dismissals in the IPL during the match against Punjab. While Karthik has 106 dismissals in 152 matches, Dhoni has 101 from 157 games.

MSD got to this feat when he caught Axar Patel off Dan Christian’s bowling. Dhoni finished the innings with another dismissal as he caught Swapnil Singh off Unadkat’s delivery in the 14th over.

While Dhoni has not enjoyed a good season with the willow, he continued to inflict some stunning run outs and stumpings throughout the season. With this, Dhoni the wicket-keeper still remains the best in the business.

#4 Rahul Tripathi’s cameo

Given the small target set by Punjab, Tripathi played fearlessly

The right-handed batsman, who plays for Maharashtra in the domestic circuit, has been, arguably, the biggest find of the IPL season. He has given Pune some much-needed impetus at the start of the innings and has impressed everyone with his fearless stroke-making and audacious approach against the new ball.

Given the small target set by Punjab, Tripathi played fearlessly as he hit 4 fours in his 20-ball 28 before Axar Patel removed him.

#5 Ajinkya Rahane’s much-needed confidence booster

Rahane will now be high on confidence, just like his team

Ajinkya Rahane has struggled to have any substantial influence in Pune’s season so far. Today was a good opportunity for him to get back the confidence before the crucial stage of the powerplay.

In his run a ball 34, he hit one boundary and then scored the winning runs with a six. Smith, at the other end, contributed with an 18-ball 15. The batsmen had nothing to hurry for, and took Pune to a huge win by 9 wickets! Rahane will now be high on confidence, just like his team, when they enter the playoffs.