Gujarat Lions (GL) finally made a mark in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 as they play created problems for Kings XI Punjab (GL) who hope to make it into IPL 2017 playoffs. It was a close contest between the teams but in the end, they emerged victoriously, thanks to Dinesh Karthik who held his nerves and saw them through. Glenn Maxwell’s side was sloppy in the field as they dropped catches and gave easy runs through overthrow.
GL openers gave a fitting reply to KXIP’s total as Dwayne Smith took them by storm scoring 74 runs from 39 balls hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes. Smith was accompanied by Ishan Kishan who worked the ball for singles and picked a few boundaries and released the pressure. Their partnership set the tone for GL’s chase.
Earlier KXIP posted a total of 189 for 3, thanks to Hashim Amla’s second IPL century, anchoring the innings and staying at the crease till the 20th over. Amla scored 104 from 60 balls hitting 8 fours and 5 sixes. He rescued his team from a horrendous start as Martin Guptill got out in the first over only. Amla stitched a partnership with Shaun Marsh of 125 runs from 89 balls. Marsh scored a half-century as well.
Amla stitched a partnership with Shaun Marsh of 125 runs from 89 balls. Marsh scored a half-century as well. Glenn Maxwell struck a few late blows in his cameo taking his team to a respectable total. But his century once again goes in vain as his side could not defend a total of 190 at their home ground.
