Mohali: Team Punjab literally dug a hole for themselves after conceding 190 runs to Team Hyderabad before coming up with an edge-of-the-seat chase to win the IPL tie by four wickets in Mohali on Sunday.
Skipper David Hussey's gritty knock of 65 runs and some late hitting by the lower order ensured that the hosts stay alive in the league.
Just when the hopes of Punjab chasing down the total began receding, all-rounder Gurkeerat Mann (29*) came out of nowhere to hit 16 runs (a six and two fours) off the last four balls to gain a crucial victory.
Punjab now need to win at least two out of the remaining three league games to stay in playoff contention.
Much to their chagrin, Hyderabad once again lost the plot after posting a huge total. Conceding 53 runs in the last four overs did them in with Manpreet Gony and Daniel Christian drawing the flak in the end.
Earlier, the home team allowed the visitors to post a daunting total. Shikhar Dhawan and Cameron White made batting look easy as they scored 96 runs for the third wicket.
Dhawan raced to 70 off just 51 balls and White complemented him with an unbeaten 67 off 41 balls in the middle overs to put the struggling side in a strong position.
Daniel Christian gave the finishing touches and his 24 runs off just 10 balls made sure Punjab went back to the dressing room with their heads down.
Punjab bowlers cut a sorry figure except seasoned Azhar Mahmood who fired the opening and parting shots for the home team. Punjab bowlers had no plan and sprayed the ball around aimlessly.
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