Sangakkara (94) props up Kings XI Punjab

Mohali, Apr 25 (UNI) Elegant Sri Lankan left handed batsman Kumar Sangakkara enthralled the packed Punjab Cricket Association Stadium here tonight as he blasted an entertaining knock of 94 to help Kings XI Punjab score 182 all out against Mumbai Indians in the DFL Indian Premier League.

Both teams desperately need victory after losing both their earlier encounters in the eight-team competition.

Harbhajan Singh, led Mumbai Indians as Sachin Tendulkar is still nursing his injury. Harbhajan won the toss but invited Kings XI Punjab to bat first. Mumbai Indians struck an early blow as Kings XI Punjab opener Irfan Pathan, who opened with Karan Goel, was consumed by medium pacer Ashish Nehra who had Pathan caught by Dhawal Kulkarni.

Sangakkara joined Goel and they put on 73 runs for the second wicket. In a mix-up, Karan Goel (18) was run out at team's total of 81. Displaying his form, Sangakkara was seen in full flow. Kings XI Punjab realised 18 and 17 runs, respectively from the fifth and sixth overs. Sangakkara effortlessly hit Shaun Pollock (1 for 40) and Dhawal Kulkarni (2 for 37). His 56-ball 86-minute 94 contained 13 boundaries and one six. The Sri Lankan's innings was terminated by captain Harbhajan Singh who had him caught by Kulkarni.

At the fall of Goel's wicket, Kings XI Punjab captain Yuvraj Singh stepped in amidst loud cheers from the spectators. Yuvraj could not last long. He departed after contributing 18 runs, which contained one six and one four. Jayawardene (12) and Australian Brett Lee (16,2x4s, 1x6) were the other main contributors for Kings XI Punjab.

Three of their batsmen -- Sunny Sohal, Piyus Chawla and Sreesanth -- failed to open their account.

Mumbai Indians off spinner Harbhajan Singh captured three wickets for 32 balls. Dhawal Kulkarni bagged 2 for 37. Medium pacer Ashish Nehra chipped in with 2 for 22.

SCOREBOARD Kings XI Punjab: Karan Goel run out Bravo 18 Irfan Pathan c Kulkarni b Nehra 6 Kumar Sangakkara c Kulkarni b Harbhajan Singh 94 Yuvraj Singh c Bravo b Pollock 18 RR Sarwan c Harbhajan Singh b Nehra 7 DPMD Jayawardene c Nayar b Harbhajan Singh 12 Sunny Sohal c Nehra b Kulkarni 0 Brett Lee not out 16 Piyush Chawla lbw Harbhajan Singh 0 S Sreesanth c Ronchi b Kulkarni 0 VRV Singh run out 4 Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 4, nb 1) 7 Total (all out; 20 overs) 182 Fall of wickets: 1-8,2-81, 3-107, 4-121, 5-152, 6-155, 7-159, 8-169, 9-170, 10-182.

Bowling: Shaun Pollock 4-0-40-1 Ashish Nehra 3- 0-22-2 Dhawal Kulkarni 4-0-37-2 Harbhajan Singh 4-0-32-3 DJ Bravo 3- 0-27-0 Musavir Khote 2- 0-22-0 UNI XC HS VN2248