http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adam-Gilchrist-c918 still hopeful to see Kings XI Punjab in playoffs after thrashing Kochi Tuskers Kerala – IPL News
Despite sitting at the sixth position in the IPL (Indian Premier League) standings, Kings XI Punjab’s skipper, Adam Gilchrist, is still expecting his side to make it to the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League.
After sealing a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Kochi Tuskers Kerala on Friday, May 13, 2011, the Kings are still in the race for the knockout round with their 10 points in 11 games. However, they have to win their remaining three games in order to
storm into the semis.
"We have a few games in hand and might sneak in", said Gilchrist.
The Kings stepped into the game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kerala-c803 outfit with a do-or-die situation. Put into bat first, the Tuskers piled up a decent total of 178 with help of Mahela Jayawardene’s classy innings of 76 runs.
In response, the Kings achieved the target convincingly with seven balls to spare. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Dinesh-c54134 Karthik and Shaun Marsh did the trick for Punjab by exhibiting a fantastic partnership of 111 runs.
Heaping praise on Marsh and Karthik for their fabulous match-winning innings, Gilchrist lauded all his teammates for their excellent performance against Kochi side.
"I thought 200-plus was looking likely when Mahela (Jayawardene) and (Brendon) McCullum were batting. But we pegged them back. Really pleased with the bowlers and a comprehensive batting effort", the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833 captain stated.
After five defeats in a row, the Kings roared back into the tournament, thrashing Sachin Tendulkar-led http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 Indians followed by an emphatic victory over Kochi XI.
Enormously delighted over his team’s performance against Jayawardene and company, the former Aussie wicket-keeper described, "It is always a happy environment when you are winning. McCullum and Mahela were flying but the bowlers and fielders stuck at it.
Shaun Marsh is a dominator at the moment in our line-up but Dinesh Karthik was excellent".
Meanwhile, Gilchrist, who led Deccan Chargers to title-winnings triumph in the 2009 IPL edition, urged his players to continue with their impressive performance in the upcoming games.
Kings XI Punjab is now scheduled to play against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Delhi-c780 Daredevils in their next match on Sunday, May 15, 2011.
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