Gilchrist, Sharma hit half centuries

Mohali, May 23 (UNI) Bottom-placed Deccan Chargers put up a good total of 175 for 4 against Kings XI Punjab in the 48th match of the DLF Indian Premier League at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium here tonight.

This total was made possible by the two half century knocks of Adam Gilchrist (50, 6x4s, 1x6) and Rohit Sharma (50, 3x4s, 4x6s) and 34-ball 44 by opener Gibbs. Sharma punished Kings XI Punjab medium pacer Gagandeep Singh in his third over and team's 17.

he lifted Gagandeep, who was shifted from City End to Pavilion over midwicket for two huge sixes and one four. It was the costliest over, as Sharma hit Gagandep for 6, 2, 2, 6, 4, 2,1.

Kings XI Punjab won the toss, but asked Deccan Chargers to bat first. Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs gave their team a fine start as they realised 77 runs for the first wicket partnership in 11.1 overs before Gibbs was bowled by Gagandeep Singh. Gibbs' 54-minute 34-ball 44 contained three fours and three sixes.

Elegant Rohit Sharma joined Australian Gilchrist and they carried the total to 111 before Gilchrist departed, bowled by Ramesh Powar.

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