Chennai: Underdogs Kings XI Punjab scored an upset seven-run victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings in an Indian Premier League match, here on Saturday.
Defending a target of 157, Punjab bowlers led by all-rounder Azhar Mahmood held their own at the death as they restricted the much-vaunted CSK batting line-up to 149 for eight, at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Chennai stay put on nine points from as many matches while KXIP are on eight points but occupy the eighth position despite their fourth win. Credit to P Awana, Praveen Kumar and Mahmood who bowled the final three overs when CSK needed 39 runs which is considered a gettable target in the shortest format. The three medium pacers bowled a fuller length hardly giving any room to the opposition batsmen who stuttered and lost wickets at regular intervals. Mahmood played an useful hand at the rear scoring a quickfire 18 off 12 balls and then had impressive figures of three for 25 which also included the prize-scalp of Albie Morkel who was accounted in the first delivery of the final over.
Punjab skipper Adam Gilchrist acknowledged the positive impact Azar Mahmood has made on the side’s fortunes after his inclusion in the side for the IPL. (PTI)