Valthaty, Gilchrist fire Punjab to win over Deccan

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HYDERABAD: Paul Valthaty and Adam Gilchrist hammered explosive half-centuries to power Kings XI Punjab to an eight-wicket win over Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League on Saturday.

Valthaty smashed a 47-ball 75 and skipper Gilchrist a 46-ball 61 as Punjab achieved a 166-run target with 14 balls to spare for their second win in three matches in the Twenty20 tournament.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Gilchrist and Valthaty both completed half-centuries with a six and added 136 for the opening wicket to ensure a comfortable win for their team in Hyderabad.

Gilchrist hit three sixes and five fours while Valthaty, who made an unbeaten century in his team's win over Chennai Super Kings in the previous game on Wednesday, cracked five sixes and eight fours.

Valthaty also excelled as a seamer when he finished with 4-29 off four overs to play a major role in restricting Deccan, who suffered their third defeat in four matches.

Shikhar Dhawan (45) and skipper Kumar Sangakkara (35) put on 75 for the second wicket before Deccan lost their way, with Valthaty doing the damage.

Brief scores:
Deccan Chargers 165-8 in 20 overs (S. Dhawan 45, K. Sangakkara 35, D. Christian 30; P. Valthaty 4-29, R. McLaren 2-33) lost to Kings XI Punjab 166-2 in 17.4 overs (P. Valthaty 75, A. Gilchrist 61; A. Mishra 2-28) by eight wickets.