IPL: Kings XI Punjab beat Delhi Daredevils by nine runs in third win of the season
Defending a target of 181, Punjab restricted Delhi to 172 for 5.
Half centuries from Wriddhiman Saha and Marcus Stoinis and a few tight final overs saw the Kings XI Punjab beat the Delhi Daredevils by 9 runs in the Indian Premier League on Saturday. Bottom-of-the-table Punjab managed to survive spirited knocks from Quentin de Kock and Sanju Samson who were unable to power Delhi past the target of 182.
The match should have been an easy one for the Daredevils, who have managed decent form under Rahul Dravid's mentorship this season, winning five of their eight matches so far. Going into this game, Punjab sat at the very bottom of the table, having won just two of eight thanks to inconsistent batting throughout this IPL.
In the end some tight bowling, with overs of just three, four and six runs apiece in the final stretch, saw Punjab prevailing over Zaheer Khan's Daredevils. Mohit Sharma bowled excellently, giving away only three runs in the 19th over, and bowled 12 dot balls during the match. Delhi's fielding was no match for Punjab's bowling, though they put up a good start and did not lose wickets early.