Mohali: Kings XI Punjab put up yet another dominating performance as they outclassed Northern Knights from New Zealand by a whopping 120 runs to enter the semi-finals in their maiden appearance in the Oppo Champions League T20, here on Friday night.
Put into bat, Kings XI Punjab puty up a massive 215 for five, courtesy blazing half-centuries from openers Manan Vohra (65 off 32 balls) and veteran Virender Sehwag (52 off 37 balls) and century opening stand between them.
In reply, Northern Knights started off well in Powerplay overs before their chase ran out of steam to be skittled out for paltry 95 in 15.2 overs.
KXIP with three wins from as many matches now have 12 points to their credit and have clinched a place in the semi-finals with four other teams fighting for the other three spots.
The ‘Pink Panthers’ from New Zealand, who had done well at the start of the tournament, found it difficult to handle the young spin duo of leg-spinner Karanveer Singh (4/15 in 3.2 overs) and left-arm spinner Akshar Patel (2/16 in 4 overs) during the middle overs.
Once batting mainstay Kane Williamson (20) was caught Wriddhiman Saha off Thisara Perera and Akshar got Anton Devcich (28) caught by Karanveer, there was no way that Knights would have chased the target.
Earlier, Sehwag turned the clock back in company of immensely talented Vohra as their half-centuries propelled KIngs XI Punjab to a commanding 215 for five after being put into bat.
While Vohra showed the exuberance of youth in his 32-ball 65, Sehwag displayed glimpses of his old self in a 37-ball-52 as their opening stand of 102 laid they foundation for a formidable total.
However the Kings XI Punjab innings lost steam towards the end after having scored 120 in the first 10 overs. The back-10 produced 95 runs, courtesy David Miller’s 18-ball-40 (5×4, 1×6).
Vohra took full advantage of the Powerplay overs as he repeatedly beat the infield with his hitting. It started with a straight drive followed by a flick of Trent Boult.Sehwag, who batted in his own style lofted Sodhi over extra-cover boundary to reach his 50 off 35 balls. He was out for 52 when Kugggeleijn trapped him plumb-in-front which had five fours and a six.(PTI)
