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Confident Kings XI look to flatten Lions

Last Updated 06 May 2017, 21:08 IST

On a roll with back-to-back wins, a resurgent Kings XI Punjab will look to go all guns blazing against down and out Gujarat Lions here on Sunday.

After registering a comprehensive ten-wicket win here a week back against Delhi Daredevils, KXIP pulled off another win against bottom-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore in their away game on Friday.

Punjab had bundled out Daredevils for 67 the other night, while they defended a modest 138/7 by dismissing RCB for 119.

It was all-rounder Axar Patel who first smashed a 17-ball 38 and then followed it up with 3/11, to dash the hopes of Virat Kohli led side.

In the eight-team competition, Punjab are placed fifth with five wins and ten points from 10 games, while Gujarat Lions have just three wins from 11 games with six points.
With their win against RCB, Punjab, who had reached the finals of the 2014 edition, have improved their chances of making it to the playoffs.

Hashim Amla has been their highest run-scorer with 316 runs, which includes a century against Mumbai Indians. Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh, Manan Vohra, Wriddhiman Saha, Axar Patel — all have chipped in from time to time but they need to be more consistent.

For Punjab, the form of their skipper Glenn Maxwell has been a cause of concern. Maxwell, who can single-handedly destroy any bowling attack, has been off-colour, getting under 200 runs in 10 matches, with an unbeaten 44 being his highest score.

Pacer Sandeep Sharma’s brilliant three-wicket haul blew away RCB’s top-order to set up the win for Punjab on Friday and he is their best bowler.

Seamers Varun Aaron and Mohit Sharma have the ability to do a good job, while spinner Axar has proved himself with 13 wickets so far.

Gujarat, on the other hand, are out of contention and they are struggling at the second last position. 


The Lions are coming into the match following consecutive losses, which also includes the heartbreaking defeat against Mumbai Indians in a thrilling Super Over finish at Rajkot.
Lions have also suffered a body blow, losing their opener Brendon McCullum, who will miss the remaining matches after suffering a hamstring strain.

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(Published 06 May 2017, 19:46 IST)

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