AMLA’S CLASS STEALS A MARCH OVER BRUTE FORCE

Hashim Amla again proved that you don’t need brute force to score runs in T20 cricket on Sunday. The South African batsman, one of the classiest and in great form for Kings XI Punjab, struck his second century this IPL, against Gujarat Lions.

Amla had scored an unbeaten 104 against Mumbai Indians in Indore. In the first game against Gujarat, Amla had scored 65.

On KXIP’s home turf, Amla went after the bowling early. Despite losing Martin Guptill in the first over, he completed his half-century in 35 balls with four boundaries and a six. Amla has been a consistent run-getter for Kings XI Punjab this season, and has scored two centuries and two fifties so far.

STAND WITH MARSH

After hammering Gujarat’s leftarm paceman Pradeep Sangwan for two fours in the third over, Amla, in the company of Shaun Marsh, built the innings. Two overs later, Amla went after James Faulkner, hitting the Australian left-arm pacer for a six and four before reaching 50.

Amla raised 125 runs for the second wicket with Shaun Marsh, who made 58.

“It is always nice to get some runs. The wicket was a bit slow upfront, and it took some time to adjust. Everybody has a unique style. For me it is about playing simple and playing cricketing shots. That partnership set the platform for us,” Amla said.

Needing seven to reach his century, Amla hit a four and six in Thampi’s last over.