Deccan's tough times continue - lose to Punjab by 25 runs

Deccan Chargers’ curse at their home ground proved to be true yet again as they lost to an inspired Punjab side by 25 runs. Deccan’s form at home has been horrible and the trend has continued this year too!

Deccan Chargers woeful run continues

Match Recap

Deccan Chargers won the toss and elected to bat and that was probably the only thing that went their way. The Punjab team put the runs on the board in quick time thanks to yet another brilliant innings by Mandeep Singh who scored 75. Some big hitting from David Miller in the end saw the total being propelled to 170 runs. The Punjab batsmen were well aided by the Deccan fielders as a few catches were put down. Deccan in reply started off badly by losing their first wicket in the second over of the innings. However they consolidated well. A middle order collapse put the Chargers out of contention. They eventually finished 25 runs short, handing the Punjab team a much needed win.

The Turning Point

The couple of catches that Deccan Chargers dropped can be termed as turning points but the biggest one has to be the three quick wickets that Deccan lost in the middle of their innings that lost them the plot. In the span of 8 deliveries, Deccan managed to lose three of the biggest names in their batting line up. First, Daniel Harris fell off David Hussey’s bowling at the start of the 11^th over, and then the in form Cameron White followed suit two balls later. Hussey’s magic arm might just be the turning point of the match. Skipper Kumar Sangakkara followed the procession back to the hut when he too was dismissed in the very next over. This landed the Deccan Chargers the knockout blow and settled the competition in Punjab’s favor.

Where did Deccan go wrong?

Deccan Chargers have been doing a few things wrong and have been repeating the same mistakes time and time again. The bowling department lacks teeth and Steyn’s injury today certainly did cripple the team. Their fielding has been very substandard and the dropped catches cost dearly tonight. The batting is heavily reliant on a few names and none of the batsmen are consistent. So when those key members have an off day like tonight, the Chargers find themselves on the losing side.

The man with the golden arm whose two wickets in one over turned the match on its head

Where do the teams stand now?

The result makes little difference to the Deccan Chargers side in the standings as they continue to languish at the bottom. They have no chance of getting to the playoffs and it’s all about playing for pride now. Kings XI Punjab on the other hand desperately needed the two points and the win has pushed them to 5^th place in the table with a good chance of making it to the play offs.

Game Rating

The game wasn’t the most interesting one since it didn’t go down the wire. However it was a good one and showcased an Indian talent making it big at the IPL stage. Mandeep Singh’s innings of 75 was pure class and looks to have a bright future ahead. Mandeep Singh is the highest run scorer for Punjab in this season of the IPL. Just hope that he doesn’t go the Paul Valthaty way.

Kings XI Punjab batsman Mandeep Singh was adjudged the MOM for his 75.

Conclusion

The match handed Punjab must needed 2 points, putting them in contention for the play offs. Deccan on the other hand extended their woeful run at home with yet another loss, taking the total tally to 16 losses from 17 matches at Hyderabad. Deccan will now be heading back to the drawing board as they try to forget this nightmare and start fresh again.