Pune break losing IPL streak - Cricket News Roundup - Part 1- April 12, 2013
A rampant half-century from Aaron Finch helped Pune Warriors secure their first win of the ongoing sixth edition of the Indian Premier League, beating Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets.
Opting to bat first, the Royals started poorly after opener Kausal Perera was caught lbw first ball. However, skipper Rahul Dravid and youngster Ajinkya Rahane got the team going with a solid 81-run partnership. Some sharp catching from the Warriors saw both men departing in quick succession before a late rally from the lower order helped the away side post 145.
In reply, the Warriors got off to a rollicking start, courtesy openers Robin Uthappa and Finch, both of whom added 58 in the first five overs. Uthappa fell, but Finch carried his rich vein of form before Yuvraj Singh put the final touches to the victory. The win means that the Warriors finally ended their 11-game losing streak.
Another dominant display from Chris Gayle helped Royal Challengers Bangalore record an easy 8-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
Having been asked to bat first, KKR could only manage 154, despite being given a solid platform by half-centurion and skipper Gautam Gambhir.
In reply, the home side cruised to victory in 17.3 overs, with Chris Gayle again leading from the front. The left-hander scored an unbeaten 85, which included four fours and nine towering sixes. He was given appreciable support by skipper Virat Kohli ( 35) and AB de Villiers, who remained unbeaten on 22.
Gambhir and Kohli were further involved in a heated spat during the game but downplayed any suggestion of a rift. “Its done, what is done on the field is done,” said Kohli about his spat with Gambhir. “Great game for us. When you know Gayle is leaving the ball, the opposition has to be more worried than when he is hitting it."
"It happens in the heat of the moment. We dont need to carry it off the field. It is a tough sport, no love lost. All credit to Chris, he took the game away from us. We were in the same position last year as well. Hopefully we can turn it around. You have to get 160-170 here when you bat first. It is not like Kolkata or other venues where 140 is fine, “said Gambhir.
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