Mohali, MAY 22 (UNI) Already placed in the semi-final with 16 points with eight victories and three defeats, Kings XI Punjab start as favourites against bottom-placed Deccan Chargers in the 48th match of the DLF Indian Premier League to be played under lights at the PCA Stadium here tomorrow.
Addressing a press conference here this evening, Kings XI Punjab wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakara said ''We do not have faith in mathematical equation on the opening pair issue. At the end of the day, we play to win.'' Praising the Australian duo Shaun Marsh and Luke, Sangakkara said, ''They keep the ball in the middle of the bat and they have a long career.'' Speaking on the occassion Left-handed Australian all-rounder Luke Pomersbach said ''I was lucky to get chance to play in IPL.'' Despite his team lying at the bottom and are considered underdogs against Kings XI Punjab, Deccan Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist was excited on the eve of the match.
''we are excited to play Kings XI Punjab tomorrow. Our people are learning and trying to improve. We will play stress free game against Kings XI,'' he said.
Asked on the performance of Shahid Afridi, Gilchrist said ''I cannot point out a single player. All players are spirited.
However, we are not getting support around a player who performs well. We have not played according to our capabilities. A few of our matches were very close.'' Meanwhile, in a press released issued here today, IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi said ''Any form of black market ticketing will not be tolerated and the IPL in conjuction with the franchise will prosecute any one associated with such practice to the full extend of the law.'' The statement reads ''Kings XI Punjab, the IPL Mohali Franchise, the Mohali Police and TicketPro together have discovered and even exposed an illegal ticket selling racquet. Some of the suspects, who have been arrested by the Mohali Police, were caught selling match tickets of the Mohali home matches in black.'' Video surveillance footage is being reviewed and already suspects have been identified. Thse people will face the brunt of the legal system in due course, the statement added.
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