Marsh tunes Punjab’s win in IPL

Mumbai suffer six-wicket defeat as Australian scores half-century .

Shaun Marsh’s blitz enabled Kings XI Punjab register a six-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Australian international made an unbeaten 68, off just 40 deliveries, as Punjab overhauled a competitive 164-run target with three balls to spare to register their third win in seven matches of the ongoing IPL.

Marsh hit five fours and three sixes, adding 58 for the third wicket with captain David Hussey after the team was reduced to 61 for two in the ninth over. While Mumbai hit back with the wickets of Hussey and Azhar Mehmood in quick succession, Marsh made sure his good work did not go in vain and Punjab crossed the finish line.

For Mumbai, who lost their third match having played six, Kieron Pollard was the pick of the bowlers with two for 14 in four overs. Pragyan Ojha also picked up two wickets but gave away 28 runs in three overs.

Marsh’s effort overshadowed that of James Franklin’s who earlier led the way for Mumbai.

The opener smashed a 51-ball 79 and was supported by Dinesh Karthik who made 35 as the two helped Mumbai put on a reasonable total. But the rest of the batsmen failed with only Sachin Tendulkar managing to make 23.

Parwinder Awana and Praveen Kumar picked up two wickets apiece as Mumbai posted 163 for six in their allotted 20 overs.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2012.