Thaindian News

Indore, May 14 (IANS) Kings XI Punjab captain Adam Gilchrist is still hopeful of his team making the play-offs of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A six-wicket victory over Kochi Tuskers, Kerala here Friday night kept them alive and now they have to win their remaining three matches.

“We have a few games in hand and might sneak in,” said Gilchrist.

Gilchrist praised his players for their comprehensive performance against the Tuskers.

“I thought 200-plus was looking likely when Mahela (Jayawardene) and (Brendon) McCullum were batting. But we pegged them back. Really pleased with the bowlers and a comprehensive batting effort,” Gilchrist said.

“It is always a happy environment when you are winning. McCullum and Mahela were flying but the bowlers and fielders stuck at it. Shaun Marsh is a dominator at the moment in our line-up but Dinesh Karthik was excellent,” said the former Australian captain.

Man-of the match Dinesh Karthik, who scored a blistering 69 off 33 balls, said team owner Preity Zinta boosted the confidence of the team after five consecutive losses.

“Preity said some good things to us after we were down with five losses. Fortunately we pulled back,” he said.

“We always bank on Paul Valthaty and Gilchrist to give us a good start, but Kochi bowled well at the start,” he added.

On his knock, Karthik said: “It depends on the situation; I try and see the field if I can get away with it, then I try all those silly shots.”

Jayawardene, Kochi Tuskers captain, said the new entrants lacked consistency and failed to convert the half-chances.

“It is disappointing (to be out of the reckoning). We had our chances in the tournament but we did not grab them. We haven’t been consistent,” Jayawardene said.

“You have to convert half chances if you want to win and move ahead. We failed to do that at crucial moments. But I think we can take positives from our performance this season,” he said.