Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), May 15 (IBNS): Skipper Adam Gilchrist kept alive Kings XI Punjab's spirit with a brilliant innings leading his team to a crucial six-wicket win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the HPCA Stadium here Thursday.
Chennai Super Kings hopes of defending their title suffered a huge blow with the loss while Kings XI Punjab kept alive their hopes of a place in the play-offs.
Gilchrist, returning to the side after a hamstring injury, led from the front with an unbeaten 64 off 46 balls to guide Kings XI to 123 for four with 21 balls to spare after Super Kings were restricted 120 for seven in 20 overs.
Gilchrist smashed nine fours and two sixes to help Punjab chase down 121-run target.
Punjab made a poor start losing Mandeep Singh (24), Nitin Saini (1) and David Hussey (9) in quick succession after a 51-run opening stand between Gilchrist and Mandeep.
Earlier, a disciplined performance by Kings XI Punjab restricted Chennai Super Kings to 120 for seven. Gilchrist was also excellent behind the stumps taking four catches and was also adjudged as the Man of the Match.
Moreover, Praveen Kumar (2/18), Parvinder Awana (2/12) and Azhar Mahmood (2/28) shared six wickets between them, while Ryan Harris (1/24) bagged one. Dwayne Bravo's crucial 43-ball 46 that helped Super Kings to a respectable total.
