The return of Adam Gilchrist boosted Punjab as they recorded a much-needed win with one match remaining and hopes still alive for a play-off birth. Their seamers restricted Chennai top a very low score which they chased down easily thanks to their captain who remained not out.

Match Report: 66th Match, Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings, Dharamsala, 17 May 2012.

On a pitch having greenish tinge, Adam Gilchrist had no hesitation in putting Chennai in to bat after winning the turn of the coin. His seamers, Praveen Kumar, Parvinder Awana and Azhar Mahmood got in the thick of things under helpful conditions and restricted Chennai to 120 for 7 in 20 overs.  They bagged two wickets each, with Awana being the most economical.

Gilchrist took four catches behind as no batsman could break free even after getting starts. Dwayne Bravo resisted and he was the main architect behind whatever Chennai could get in the end. He made 48 in 43 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes.

In reply, openers Mandeep Singh and Gilchrist sealed the initiative by posting 51 for the first wicket. After Mandeep was cleaned up by Morkel, Bravo brought Chennai back with two quick strikes but Gilly was there to guide the chase for his team.

They reached the target in the 17th over with Gilly remaining unbeaten on 46-ball 64 that contained 9 fours and 2 sixes. He was obviously the Man of the Match.
Chennai has finished with 17 points and need a miracle to qualify for the play-offs, while Punjab have 16 points with a tough game against Delhi to play.


Summarised Scores:

Kings XI Punjab 123/4 (Gilchrist 64*, DJ Bravo 2/18) beat Chennai Super Kings 120-7 (DJ Bravo 48, Awana 2/12) by 6 wickets

Man of the Match: Adam Gilchrist


Image credit: AFP