Mohali, May 7:
Kings XI Punjab bowlers displayed exceptional death bowling skills as they shocked a formidable Delhi Daredevils by 9 runs in an IPL encounter here tonight.
Defending a target of 181, Kings XI Punjab restricted Daredevils to 172 for 5 even as the Zaheer Khan led outfit looked set to get 44 off 4 overs, which was considered par for the course on a flat batting wicket.
While KXIP’s third win does not change their position in the league table but certainly keeps them alive while Daredevils will rue a missed opportunity even though they stay put at third place in the table.
The hero for KXIP would be Mohit Sharma (0/21 in 4 overs) who did not get any wickets but should unbelievable variations to bowl 12 dot balls equivalent two maiden overs.
The 17th over bowled by Marcus Stoinis (3/40 in 4 overs) was an eventful one that saw the right-arm gentle medium pacer give only 4 runs gettimg Sam Billings (6) in the process.
In the last three overs, Daredevils needed 40 from last 3 overs.
Carlos Brathwaite (12) hit a four and a six off Sandeep Sharma before providing a simple catch for the fielder stationed at mid-wicket boundary trying a pull shot.
With 29 needed off 13 balls, the match seemed like slipping out of Daredevils’ hands. Mohit Sharma compounded their woes bowling a brilliant 19th over giving away only three runs as KXIP pocketed the match in that very over.
Sandeep then kept his cool in the final over where 25 was needed and he gave only 15 runs.(PTI)
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