Amla, Marsh continue impressive form in Punjab win
Kings XI Punjab broke their four-game losing streak by defending 188 against Gujarat Lions, a total they built on a quickfire 70-run partnership between Shaun Marsh and Hashim Amla
ESPNcricinfo staff
23-Apr-2017
Hashim Amla continued his run of good form with 65 runs off 40 balls • BCCI
Kings XI Punjab had lost four successive games after opening the season with two wins, and were yearning for a victory that took them out of the bottom half. After being put in by Gujarat Lions, Kings XI lost Manan Vohra, who recovered from an illness, in the second over. It was left to Hashim Amla and Shaun Marsh to consolidate and build a total they had a chance to defend.
Both batsmen found their timing and fluency from the outset. Amla laid anchor, but his strike-rate was still lofty. Marsh used his power and timing to accrue boundaries. Together, they added 70 runs in just 48 balls.
While Amla relied on his timing and his wrists to find gaps, Marsh was willing to go over fielders. Both batsmen struck 11 boundaries between them in the Powerplay, making use of the width offered by Gujarat Lions' bowlers. They set a strong base for Kings XI's 188, a total they defended by 26 runs. Amla continued his impressive form with an elegant 65.