Gilchrist credits bowlers for first IPL win

Kings XI Punjab captain Adam Gilchrist has credited his bowlers for exploiting the grassy conditions in Mohali on Thursday and helping his side beat Pune Warriors by seven wickets to register their first win in of the IPL season. Punjab's Kings XI'S bowlers justified Gilchrist's decision to bowl first for the third straight match, with Dimitri Mascarenhas picking up his second five-for in Twenty20 cricket and Harmeet Singh striking twice to restrict Warriors to 115.

"I knew that it was a bit risky to bowl first, given that we had bowled first in our previous two games and we had not got any momentum going," Gilchrist said. "Our bowlers bowled beautifully today. The wicket had a green cover. There was a big storm last night, a lot of moisture around."

Gilchrist said that the bowlers, especially Mascarenhas challenged the batsmen at all times by putting the ball in the right spot. Chasing 115, Punjab always looked in control with Shaun Marsh, who missed their last match due to injury, top-scoring with 64. "It's wonderful to see Shaun, he's such a beautiful player to watch," said Gilchrist. "I read an article which said he's the most successful batsman in IPL history. He's just a great player and it's nice to see him back."