Amla and Axar bring cheer to Kings XI

Axar Patel’s all-round effort helped Kings XI Punjab end their four-game losing streak by recording a 26-run win over Gujarat Lions at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday.

Axar scored a brisk 17-ball 34, laced with three boundaries and two sixes, and then accounted for the in-form Suresh Raina (33) and Dwayne Smith (4) to break the back of the Lions’ batting.

Axar, who has been Kings XI’S top performer in this edition of the Indian Premier League, finished with figures of 2/36. He was well supported by spin partner KC Cariappa (2/24). The Lions could manage just 162 for seven while chasing a target of 189.

In the process, the 23-year-old Axar upstaged India teammate Ravindra Jadeja in both departments. While Jadeja bowled well, he failed to land telling blows like Axar. While batting, Jadeja failed when the chips were down.

The Lions got off to a bad start, losing Brendon Mccullum in the first over as he misread a full toss from Sandeep Sharma and was adjudged leg before. They kept losing wickets at crucial intervals which didn’t help their cause.

Axar, who was sidelined due to a thumb injury, returned to action just before the IPL and has been bowling well. While it’s unlikely he will make the squad for the Champions Trophy, he is making a case for himself.

Cariappa, who was Kings XI’S most economical bowler on the night, was brought back into the squad to shore up the bowling, and he didn’t disappoint. He used his variations well to keep a tight leash on the Lions’ batsmen in the middle overs.

Dinesh Karthik, who scored an unbeaten 44-ball 58, tried his best but with the Lions losing their best batsmen, he ran out of partne

Earlier, Hashim Amla’s 40-ball 65 helped Kings XI post a big total It was his second big innings on the trot after the century against Mumbai Indians. While that one didn’t result in victory, this one did.