Deccan Chargers to fight against King XI Punjab
 
Kimberley, May 8

After suffering two consecutive losses, Kings XI Punjab will be looking to bounce back when they face Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the De Beers Diamond Oval here Saturday.

With just five matches in hand, time is running out for sixth-placed Kings XI, who have eight points. Deccan Chargers, however, are well placed as they have played one match less than Kings XI and are placed fourth with 10 points. If Kings XI Punjab want to make the last four, they cannot afford to lose against Deccan Chargers. "We have to win 100 per cent of our matches and that's not easy," Kings XI skipper Yuvraj Singh said.

Both teams will be clashing for the first time in the league and both will be looking to a score a point. But problems are aplenty for Kings XI. Yuvraj admitted that there are some concerns for his team. Yuvraj, who carried his bat with an unbeaten 58 in Thursday's defeat against Chennai Super Kings, said that the bowlers are letting the team down. "Our bowling remains a major problem for us, especially bowling at the death. We have to sort out these issues," he said. On his performance, Yuvraj said: "I'm not happy with myself either. I think I too need to brush up my game."

Deccan Chargers, who are one of the favourites to win the title in this second edition of the IPL, are riding high after their win over Mumbai Indians. Deccan Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist and South African Herschelle Gibbs are in good touch while Rohit Sharma and T. Suman have strengthened the middle-order. The return of Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who has been cleared by his board, will surely boost the Deccan Chargers.