Aussies fashion Kings XI Punjab's 9-wkt win

Mohali, May 12 (UNI) Kings XI Punjab recorded a majestic nine-wicket victory over Bangalore Royal Challengers in the DLF Indian Premier League at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium here on Monday night. It was Kings XI Punjab's second triumph over Bangalore whom they had beaten by six wickets in their away match. Kings XI have so far garnered 12 points from six wins out of 9 matches and have moved to second position behind Rajasthan Royals who have 14 points to their credit.

Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Supers Kings have identical poins tally of 12 points apiece. However, with better run rate Kings XI Punjab (+0.458) were at the second place. Chennai Super Kings have +0.104. Required to score 144 runs for win, Kings XI Punjab easily achieved their target by losing the wicket of opener James Hopes (27). Kings XI Punjab owed their triumph to Australians -- openers Simon Marsh (not out 74, 9x4s, 2x6s, 51 balls), James Hopes (27, 3x6s) and Luke Pomersbach (34 not out, 3x4s, 2x6s).

Marsh and Hopes gave Kings XI Punjab a good start with a 42-run opening wicket partnership before Hopes departed. Vinay Kumar pitched on off and James Hopes tried to lift him over the boundary.

However, Dale Steyn sprinted from deep extra cover to take a brilliant diving catch.Then Luke, who came in place of West Indies' Ramnaresh Sarwan, and Marsh flayed the Bangalore Royal Challengers bowlers. Their second unbroken patnership yielded 102 runs as Kings XI emerged comfortable winners.

Socreboard Kings XI Punjab: Simon Marsh not out 74 James Hopes c Steyn b Vinay 27 Luke Pomersbach not out 34 Extras (w 4,lb 5) 9 Total (for one wicket in 15.4 overs) 144.

Fall of wicket: 1-42.

Bowling: D Steyn 2-0-33-0 Zaheer Khan 4-0-35-0 Praveen Kumar 2.4-0-15-0 Vijay Kumar 2-0-11-1 Anil Kumble 4-0-36-0 Virat Kohli 1-0-9-0.

Man of the Match: Shaun Marsh.

UNI XC HS BP2348