Published: May 07, 2017, 09:39 PM (IST)
Edited: May 07, 2017, 09:45 PM (IST)
Hashim Amla smacked his second century of the tournament. Along with Shaun Marsh and Glenn Maxwell, he powered Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to a daunting total of 189 for 3, against a struggling Gujarat Lions (GL) in match 47 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017. Invited to bat first after losing the toss, Kings XI Punjab ensured that they take early advantage by putting up big runs on the board and build pressure on Gujarat Lions, who have already been ruled out of contention for the race to IPL 10 playoffs. For Gujarat Lions, who went into the contest with only three overseas players, it was yet another disappointing outing, at least in the first half on Sunday night at Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) vs Gujarat Lions (GL), IPL 10 match 47
Without the services of their usual heroes in Brendon McCullum and Andrew Tye, Gujarat Lions had an uphill task against a fired-up Kings XI Punjab side, who are still in the race to finish among the top four. Opting to field, Gujarat Lions made an immediate breakthrough when Pradeep Sangwan had Martin Guptill caught by Basil Thampi for a mere 2 in the first over. A little did Gujarat Lions know as to what was in the store, with Amla and Marsh taking complete charge of the situation. FULL CRICKET UPDATES: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) vs Gujarat Lions (GL), IPL 10 match 47
Hashim Amla became only the third player after Chris Gayle (2011) and Virat Kohli (2016) to have scored multiple tons in an IPL season. Amla and Marsh added 125 runs for the second wicket in the next 15 overs or so. While Amla scored 104 off 60 balls with 8 fours and 5 sixes, Marsh contributed with 58 off 43 balls in which he hit 6 fours. At no point did the KXIP batsmen look being in a rush to collect runs, but still the scoring rate remained in excess of 8 an over.
Amla was lucky when a tough chance was spilled by Ravindra Jadeja fielding at point. On the third ball of the fifth over, Amla was tempted to cut hard on a delivery that had width, but he ended up playing very close to the fielder. Jadeja made a dive and even got his hands on the ball, but could not do more than that. However, Jadeja did save a three runs for his side.
In the next over, Amla smacked a six and a four off James Faulkner to showcase his rich form. Throughout the innings, he remained more aggressive than his partner Marsh. Amla’s strokeplay was as belligerent yet suave as always, but towards the ending stages the South Africa batsman began looking for quick runs, such as playing the famed scoop shot and even tried hitting by making room and clearing the front leg.
In the 13th over, Amla took a single off the second ball from Ankit Soni and completed his fifty, his 100-run stand with Marsh and also the 100-run mark for KXIP.
However, on the fifth ball of the 17th over, Amla may have ended up even surprising himself. On a fuller delivery outside off, Amla looked to work it on the leg side. But a last-moment decision saw the batsman scooping the ball between the wicketkeeper and the short third-man. Having played an ugly shot by his standards, Amla soon regained composure to hit over the cover region for yet another four.
On the other hand, Marsh’s innings was a lot about rotation of the strike. At no point did Gujarat Lions could cut down on the singles and doubles, which actually formed the base of the century partnership between Amla and Marsh. The Australian batsman was spot-on in finding the gaps, which also helped him to score 6 boundaries.
Marsh may not have been as aggressive as Amla, but he completed his half-century in 37 balls. He was dismissed in the 16th over, a mishit going high in the air off Dhawal Kulkarni.
Towards the end, Maxwell scored an 11-ball 20 not out with 2 sixes as KXIP finished at 189 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs.
Brief scores:
Kings XI Punjab 189 for 3 in 20 overs (Hashim Amla 104, Shaun Marsh 58; Pradeep Sangwan 1 for 28) vs Gujarat Lions.
