Pune Warriors, who were going through a purple patch in the IPL Season V, crashed to their first defeat against a less fancied Kings XI Punjab, who until yesterday had two losses to their account. What more, this is the first time Punjab have won against Pune Warriors in four occasions. Meanwhile for Pune, who could manage only 115 of 19 overs, recorded their lowest score in IPL, outstripping the 117 for nine against Chennai Super Kings at Chennai last year.
Let have a look at some hits and flops of the match.
Hits and flop of King XI Punjab
Hits
Shaun Marsh: His innings rang good news for the Punjab camp. Marsh, the most dependable batsmen of KXIP, could not get off the hook in the earlier matches. But his half century in the yesterday’s match marks his return to form, much for the delight of his team. He has been one of the phenomenal batsmen of the Punjab and his yesterday’s knock of 64 from 54 included seven fours and a six.
Dimitri Mascarenhas: Man of the match, Mascarenhas was on fire. His bowling was lethal and he took wickets at will, including the prized scalp of Sourav Ganguly, who was showing signs of excellence. His 5/25 arrested Pune’s run and eventually were bowled out for 115 of 19 overs, their lowest ever score in IPL.
Flops:
Paul Valthathy: After a great season last year, he has flattered to deceive this season and has not been able to live up to his reputation. In yesterday’s match, he was bowled out for a duck, his first in the IPL.
Hits and Flops of Pune Warriors
Hits:
Mithun Manhas: When Pune’s batsmen were falling like nine pins, he was the only one who could show some resistance. It was due to his 28 balls 31 runs innings including three fours and a six that helped them go past the 100 runs mark.
Flops
Top order batsmen: Their top order batting has a loophole somewhere and they are just not being able to mend it. They have failed miserably throughout the tournament. Even yesterday their top four batsmen could manage only 42 runs and when they are the likes of Jesse Ryder, Sourav Ganguly, Marlon Samuels and Robin Uthappa, a lot more is be expected out of them.
By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News
