AZHAR Mahmood’s three-wicket haul and Mandeep Singh’s half-century helped the Kings XI Punjab to a victory by seven runs against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Having set Chennai a victory target of just 157 after a late batting collapse, Punjab secured victory by a narrow margin as they restricted the hosts to 149 for eight from their 20 overs.
Mahmood’s removal of both Chennai openers was the cornerstone of the victory, the veteran all-rounder accounting for Faf du Plessis (29) and Subramaniam Badrinath (25) after the pair had earlier raced away to a 49-run partnership inside six overs.
Dwayne Bravo’s 30 was the only other score of note for Chennai, for whom defeat was sealed just five deliveries after Mahmood (three for 25) had claimed his final victim with the removal of Albie Morkel for eight.
Earlier, opener Singh’s 56 set Punjab on their way. He was supported by Shaun Marsh’s 32 and scores in the high teens by Mahmood and David Miller, but no other player from the Punjab ranks reached double figures. (PA Sport)