Punjab tame Mumbai in their den

Bailey leads from the front as Kings XI win by 18 runs

ONE OF US WAS GOING TO END UP WITH TWO LOSSES (ON THE TROT). IT WAS NICE TO BE ON THE WINNING SIDE. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL STRIKING BY BHAJJI BUT I FELT WE DESERVED TO WIN BY MORE RUNS GEORGE BAILEY, Kings XI captain

MUMBAI: George Bailey captained Australia in most of the one day international leading to the World Cup but had to make way when Michael Clarke returned to the side for the trans-Tasman clash against New Zealand.

Before being benched, Bailey, in his only World Cup match, played a crucial innings of 55 against England and stitched a par t nership of 146 with Aaron Finch for the fourth wicket, ensuring the co-hosts registered a thumping victory in their tournament opener.

Despite playing as 12th man for the rest of the World Cup, the selfless Bailey hardly made a fuss about the issue and was at peace even if it meant passing on the glory to someone else at the biggest stage of the game.

Like in the last ODI, Bailey, though as captain this time, came in when Kings XI Punjab had lost three quick wickets despite a flying start against hosts Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Sunday.

Spinners Harbhajan Singh and Jagadeesha Suchith had sent the dangerous looking Virender Sehwag, Murali Vijay and Glenn Maxwell to the hut with the scoreboard reading just 88.

Though David Miller was at the crease when Bailey walked in, it was the latter who took charge and punished the Mumbai bowlers at will.

Such was Bailey’s impact that his contribution stood at 36 out of the 46-run partnership when Miller eventually departed after scoring 24 off 23 deliveries.

The Australian remained unbeaten on 61.

His blitzkrie g came of f 32 balls and ensured Punjab posted a decent 177 against the hosts.

Earlier, Sehwag and Vijay gave a solid start to the visitors after they were asked to bat. Sehwag made 36 off 19 balls before holing out at long on off Harbhajan’s bowling.