Adam Gilchrist is optimistic that Punjab can build on their impressive six-wicket win over Kochi Tuskers Kerala last night by going on to reach the play-off stages of the Indian Premier League.
Punjab had faced elimination last night and chasing 179 to win had looked in serious trouble when they lost Gilchrist and Paul Valthaty early in their reply to leave them reeling at 31 for two.
But a stand of 111 between Dinesh Karthick (69) and Shaun Marsh (42) revitalised the innings and they made it home with seven balls to spare in the end to delight Gilchrist.
"We have a game or two in hand on most teams and might sneak up," the Australian said in his post-match TV interview.
As to the performance, he added: "I thought 200-plus was looking likely [in the Kochi innings] but we pegged them back. Really pleased with the bowlers and a comprehensive batting effort. It is always a happy environment when you are winning. McCullum and Mahela were flying but the bowlers and fielders stuck at it.
"Shaun Marsh is the dominator at the moment in our line-up but Dinesh was excellent."
A stand of 93 for the opening wicket between Mahela Jayawardene, the captain, and Brendon McCullum (32) had set up Kochi for a big score, but Punjab's bowling, led by Bipul Sharma (two for 32), pegged them back in the second 10 overs.
The defeat ends Kochi's hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the competition and Jayawardene said: "We did not bowl well after picking up those early wickets. We haven't been consistent, we had our chance in this tournament.
"We need to pick ourselves up and finish off on a good note."
* Agency
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.
Story of 2017-18 so far and schedule to come
Roll of Honour
Who has won what so far in the West Asia rugby season?
Western Clubs Champions League
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Dubai Exiles
Fixtures
Friday
West Asia Cup final
5pm, Bahrain (6pm UAE time), Bahrain v Dubai Exiles
West Asia Trophy final
3pm, The Sevens, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Sports City Eagles
Friday, April 13
UAE Premiership final
5pm, Al Ain, Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer
Christopher Celenza,
Reaktion Books
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