The fight in the top half of the table is getting tight, as all the teams are gunning for a spot in the semifinals. In another such match, the Deccan Chargers take on Kings XI Punjab.
In a major boost to both the teams, Brett Lee returns after injury for Kings XI Punjab, while Andrew Symonds returns to strengthen the Deccan Chargers batting line up.
Yuvraj Singh won the toss and elected to field.
The Deccan Chargers have got off a solid start as both Gilchrist and Gibbs, played some aggressive shots to get the scoreboard moving. Gilly was the more dominant amongst the two as he smashed the Kings XI bowling attack to all corners of the park. Gibbs played more of a support role in the middle.
Gilchrist was then dismissed by Sreesanth as Deccan lost their first wicket. The new man in was T. Suman, who continued the run riot after the departure of Gilchrist. He too smashed some big ones to keep the pressure on the Kings XI.
Chargers then lost Gibbs, who sliced one to Jayawardene at point and Deccan went two down. They were 58/2 after 8 overs.
The stage was then set for Andrew Symonds, who was playing his first match of the IPL this year. The controversial Australian, took some time in the beginning to settle down and get his eye in the middle. After getting set he was at his murderous best as he smashed Punjab's attack to all corners of the park. He also hit Sreesanth for 24 runs in one over to get the innings rolling.
Symonds also scored his 50 in the process and led Deccan to 168 for 5.
Kings XI Punjab's reply to the total got off to a solid start as both their openers, Sohal and Katich didnt allow any early wickets and also continued the flow of runs. Sohal was the more aggressive amongst the two, and scored some early boundaries to set the tempo of the innings. He then fell after a solid 30. Katich soon followed.
Kings XI Punjab, then continued to form consistent partnerships in the middle, but also lost wickets at regular intervals to add to the pressure. Needing eight from the final over and with three wickets in hand, Kings XI Punjab, led by a late burst from Brett Lee prevailed in the end and took the match by three wickets.
No comments:
Post a Comment