Kings XI Punjab Win by six wickets

Rohit Sharma capitalised on a fluent opening partnership between Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs to help Hyderabad set a challenging 176-run target for Mohali in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the PCA Stadium here on Friday..

Sharma continued his superb run, slamming a quick-fire 50 that was spiced with four sixes and three fours and came off just 27 deliveries. Sharma, who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, once took 21 runs off an over from Gagandeep Singh, including two well-timed sixes.

Sharma’s blitz followed a superb start from openers Adam Gilchrist (50) and Herschelle Gibbs (44), who figured in a brisk 79-run stand that formed the bedrock for a total of 175-4.

Pitch Report





The Aussie left-hander struck six fours and a six off Yuvraj during his third fifty of the tournament. He was bowled playing across the line to Ramesh Powar after having just been let off the previous delivery by wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara off the off-spinner.

An area of concern at the moment is unseasonal rains in the northern region of the country, which have been caused by couple of weather systems active over the region.

The Meteorological Department at Chandigarh has forecast that moderate to heavy rains are likely to lash the region till Friday.

Mohali had virtually sealed a semifinal berth after a thrilling one-run victory over Mumbai in their previous match with eight wins in 11 matches while Hyderabad were already out of reckoning before this match with just two wins in as many outings.
Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara was back for Mohali while Gagandeep replaced Irfan Pathan. Deccan Chargers brought back Sanjay Bangar and Herschelle Gibbs.In their previous match, Aussie Shaun Marsh (84 not out) had ensured a comfortable seven-wicket win for Mohal