Cuttack: Kings XI Punjab beat Chennai SuperKings by 44 runs in their IPL 7 match at the Barabati Stadium here on Wednesday.
Batting first, Virender Sehwag and Mandeep Singh opened for Kings XI Punjab. But their partnership didnt last long. Mandeep paid the price as he tried to be adventurous. The ball landed safely in Pandey's hand, resulting in a wicket or Mohit Sharma and Chennai.
It didn't take long for CSK to get another one. Hilfenhaus stumped Sehwag, who made a modest 30 off 23 balls for KXIP. Kings XI Punjab were 38/2 at the end of 6 overs.
Glen Maxwell and David Miller were keen to show their magic again. At the end of 10 overs, KXIP were at 69/2. Maxwell was in the groove now as he along with Miller smashed 17 runs off Ashwin's first over.
An over adorned with 2 fours and 2 sixes, helped Maxwell score a half century in just 22 balls. Both Max and Miller made a mockery of the CSK spin attack. The duo had a partnership of 97 runs. KXIP were 139/2 in 14 overs.
It was heartbreak for Miller as Smith got him out at 47. It was indeed a much need wicket for CSK.
Maxwell missed his century yet again. After a brilliant knock of 90 runs in just 38 balls, Maxwell was dismissed courtesy Mohit Sharma. KXIP were 182/4 in 17.2 overs.
Three back-to-back fours from skipper George Bailey took KXIP past 200. Bailey wrapped up the game in style for the Kings. Punjab made a mighty 231 at the loss of four wickets, in their innings against CSK.
Chasing 231, CSK lost Dwayne Smith early (4). He was dismissed by Sandeep Sharma. Suresh Raina was the next casualty. Maxwell and Miller combined again to dismiss Raina. Miller took a diving catch Raina got out for 35 off 27 balls. CSK were 56/2 in 7.3 overs.
Chennai Super Kings need 147 runs in the last 10 overs. Rishi Dhawan got through Jadeja's defence to send him back to the pavilion for 17 off 8 balls. CSK aced another blow as McCullum was run out in the very next over.
Though Mahendra Singh Dhoni was at the crease with Faf du Plessis, CSK looked like they had already surrendered. CSK in need of 113 runs in five overs.
Kings XI Punjab made two changes from the team that lost against Mumbai Indians. They brought in Mandeep Singh and Murali Kartik in the playing XI. Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, remained unchanged.
Kings XI Punjab are the only team that beat Chennai Super Kings IPL 7. But post that defeat, CSK have won six games in a row and sitting at the top of the IPL Points Table. CSK batsmen and bowlers have clicked as an unit and helped CSK to dominate the other teams.
KXIP have put some strong performances with bat and ball; with Maxwell being the top run-getter. KXIP bowlers batting the last game against Mumbai Indians have put their hands up and guided their team to victories.
While CSK are eyeing for revenge, KXIP would be seeking an encore of their previous win over the Dhoni-led IPL franchisee.
Teams:
Kings XI Punjab: Mandeep Singh, Virender Sehwag, Wridhiman Saha, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, George Bailey (c), Rishi Dhawan, Mitchell Johnson, Murali Kartik, Sandeep Sharma, Akshar Patel.
Chennai Super Kings: Dwayne Bravo, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c), Faf du Plessis, Ravindra Jadeja, Mithun Manhas, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishwar Pandey, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mohit Sharma.
