MOHALI, Apr 9 (AP): Opening batsman Lokesh Rahul smashed the fastest half-century in Indian Premier League (IPL) history off only 14 balls and led his new franchise Kings XI Punjab to a six-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils on Sunday with seven balls to spare.
Sunil Narine nearly matched Rahul when he hit 50 off 17 balls in Kolkata Knight Riders' four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens in the day's other match.
Rahul's 51 featured six fours and four sixes as Punjab reached 167-4 in 18.5 overs with Karun Nair (50 off 33 balls) also in fine form.
Delhi, after being put into bat by new Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, scored 166-7. The 17-year-old spinner Mujeebur Rahman picked up 2-28 off four overs and the Afghan also ran out top scorer Gautam Gambhir (55) to cap a dream IPL debut as the youngest-ever player.
Rahul gave Punjab a rollicking start when he smashed three fours and two sixes off seamers Trent Boult and Mohammad Shami's first two overs of the innings.
KL Rahul raising his bat after he completes his half century against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday — BCCI
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