 Shaun Marsh guides Kings XI Punjab to victory
2nd May 2008 09:00 IST
Agencies
Shaun Marsh sizzled on his Indian Premier League debut and blasted unbeaten 85 off 62 balls as Kings XI Punjab thumped Deccan Chargers by seven wickets with seven balls to spare to coast to their third win of the tournament in Hyderabad Thursday night.
Chasing 165, the Punjab side romped home in 18.5 overs losing just three wickets. Marsh, son of former Australian opener Geoff Marsh, was the outstanding performer for the winners with a belligerent half century that included 11 boundaries besides a six off Nuwan Zoysa.
Right since winning the toss, the Punjab XI did everything right and were always in firm control of the proceedings.
They began their chase on a positive note with Marsh imposing himself on the Deccan bowlers. Though it was his shot that brushed Sanjay Bangar's fingers before hitting the wicket with non-striker Ramnaresh Sarwan (15) well outside the crease, the youngster made amends by scoring at a brisk rate.
The hosts managed to hit back with Doddapaneni Kalyankrishna removing Kumar Sangakkara (3) and Zoysa taking a catch off his own bowling to scalp Yuvraj Singh (4).
Marsh, however, found an able ally in Mahela Jayawardene (45 not out) and the duo milked the Deccan attack with consummate ease to take the match away from the hosts.
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