Kings XI Punjab holds its winning run alive

A superb opening partnership of 84 by Shaun Marsh Kumar Sangakkara of the Kings XI Punjab secured yet another win for the team over the Deccan Chargers in Mohali on Friday. Punjab won the match by six wickets while chasing a target of 176.

The Australian Shaun Marsh is certainly a revelation in batting as he scored his fifth half-century in the DLF Indian Premier League. His 43-ball 60 comes with the help of three boundaries and three sixes. He declared man of the match for the fourth time in the tournament.

Sri Lankan Sangakara on the other end did well to build their innings and made a quick fire of 50 just from 25 balls including two sixes and seven fours. Punjab chased down the target of 176 for the loss of four wickets with three balls to spare.

Earlier putting to bat first, the Deccan Chargers did able to make a considerable total of 175. Skipper Adam Gilchrist hit a 42-ball 50 to led a strong foundation of 79-run along with the Herschelle Gibbs. Gibbs scored 44 off 34 balls hitting three sixes and three boundaries.

Later Rohit Sharma and Chamara Silva continuing the tempo of run rate put a good stand as Chargers scored 90 runs in the last 10 overs. Sharma’s half century came in just 27 balls which includes three boundaries and four lofty sixes. Silva too made an unbeaten 23 off 10 balls.

Sreesanth, VRV Singh, Ramesh Powar and Gagandeep Singh though proved expensive claimed one wicket each.

It was the 10th loss for Deccan Charges in 12 games they played so far. In the next two games against Bangalore Royal Challengers and Chennai Super Kings, it Gilchrist-led Hyderabad would certainly try to break the string of loss at least to take some pride.

The victory places Yuvraj Singh-led Kings XI side on second position of IPL table with nine wins out of 12 and propped up its place for semis. Rajasthan Royals still on the top with 9 wins out of 11 match they played thus far.

Forthcoming Matches - May 24, 2008

- Chennai Super Kings Vs Rajasthan Royals Time 04:00 pm local Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

- Delhi Daredevils Vs Mumbai Indians Time 08.00 pm local Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi