NEW DELHI: Openers Paul Valthaty and Adam Gilchrist gave Kings XI Punjab an aggressive start as they raced to fifty in 2.5 overs against Rajasthan Royals in their Indian Premier League clash at PCA stadium in Mohali.
Punjab’s fifty is the fastest in the IPL history so far. Though their innings started dramatically as no balls saved both openers early after Siddharth Trivedi clean bowled Gilchrist in the first over and Valthaty was caught at third slip off Shaun Tait in the next over.
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne won the toss and decided to field against Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday.
Punjab brought in Bhargav Bhatt in place of Vikramjeet Singh Malik in the final eleven.
Royals made four changes for the match as Rahul Dravid, Swapnil Asnodkar, Stuart Binny and wicket-keeper Dishant Yagnik are included in the side.
Dravid is back after missing out last two matches due to injury.
With new batting hero Paul Valthaty in scorching form, hosts Kings XI have a slight edge against struggling Royals.
The two sides have a contrasting story so far as Rajasthan have lost direction after making a fantastic start with two wins while the Punjab have shrugged off the opening match defeat to present themselves as a formidable side now.
Their last match was abandoned due to rain but Rajasthan are still standing second in the points table behind leaders Kolkata Knight Riders.
Unlike Kings XI who have enjoyed quite a long gap after their last match on April 16, the Rajasthan have been traveling quite a lot and are playing their fourth game within a week's span.