Kings XI Punjab gave a commanding performance against leaders Chennai Super Kings in their last league game yesterday. Though it came too late for them to make it to the playoffs, it did help them avoid the bottom spot, which was taken by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

After the KXIP bowlers had done well to restrict CSK to 170 for five despite a brilliant 55-ball 96 (10x4, 4x6) by Faf du Plessis, it was the opening pair of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle, who toyed with the CSK bowling, to lay the foundation for a consummate six–wicket win with two overs to spare at the PCA Stadium here.