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Deccan Chargers looks to build winning momentum

— Photo: AP

HE’S BACK: Deccan Chargers will be boosted by the return of all-rounder Andrew Symonds for its clash against Kings XI Punjab.

Kimberley: Fresh from its 19-run victory over Mumbai Indians, a rejuvenated Deccan Chargers would look to build a winning momentum when it crosses swords with Kings XI Punjab in their Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match here on Saturday.

The Hyderabad side, which began its campaign with four wins on the trot, snapped its three-match losing streak and it would look to improve on its fourth position in the points tally with a win against an inconsistent Punjab side.

In the batting department, Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist and South African Herschelle Gibbs have been in good nick at the top of order, while Rohit Sharma and T. Suman have been solid in the middle order. Chargers will also be strengthened by the return of Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who has been cleared by his Board to play in the IPL.

In contrast, the Yuvraj Singh-led Kings XI Punjab is sixth on the ladder with just four wins against its name, although the picture could have been different had it not got the ire of the rain-god thrice which resulted in its defeat through Duckworth-Lewis method.

Extra sting

The news of Australian paceman Brett Lee’s availability will surely bring back the smiles on Yuvraj’s face and at the same time also add some extra sting to its bowling attack, which otherwise is lacking in penetration.

Punjab’s South African bowler Yusuf Abdulla’s pace and deceiving swing have surely made the willow-wielders’ life miserable, but other bowlers have failed to lend him support for the team to fire in unison.

Lee is expected to share the new ball with Irfan Pathan, while the side will expect Abdulla, who has managed 14 scalps from nine outings so far, to keep up his good job.

The in-form Yuvrajis the batting mainstay with Sri Lankan imports Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara giving good support down the order.

After opener Sunny Sohal’s two successive failures, the Punjab team management may think of promoting Sangakkara as an opener with Australian Simon Katich keeping in mind Deccan Charger’s new-ball attack of Australian Ryan Harris and R.P. Singh. — PTI

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