After the opening fireworks the Indian Premier League (IPL) has got it into a groove. The big-scoring one-sided affairs have now given way to cliff-hangers. While the struggling Bangalore Royal Challengers survived a last over scare to clinch a three-run victory over a luckless Deccan Chargers at home, Kings XI Punjab held off a charging Kolkata Knight Riders for another thrilling 9-run win. By handing Kolkata its fourth consecutive loss Punjab has now joined Chennai, Delhi and Rajasthan with four victories. Whereas in a battle of unlucky sides when Bangalore posted its second win Deccan slumped to its fifth loss in six matches. After W.Jaffer (44) and V.Khli (38) laid a fine platform Bangalore lost its way. However a late assault by skipper Rahul Dravid (26) helped Bangalore tally 156-8 wickets. R.P. Singh took three wickets for 41 runs. The Deccan Chargers looked heading for an easy victory when captain V.V.S. Laxman (52) and young Rohit Sharma (57) recorded fifties. But Player of the Match P.Kumar (3-23) and Zaheer Khan (2-24) struck vital blows to make it a thriller. Going into the final over, Deccan needed 20 with Anil Kumble to bowl - it seemed a lost cause, till Sanjay Bangar struck two magnificent sixes off the third and fourth deliveries, reducing the equation to a nail-biting six off two. Kumble, though, held firm, conceding two singles off the last two balls. After S.Marsh (40) provided a good start Punjab struggled. But Sangakkara (28), I. Pathan (24 n.o.) and a late fireworks by P. Chawla (21 n.o.) helped Punjab post 178-6. I.Pathan (2-18) and S.Sreesanth (2-25) reduced Kolkata to 50-5. But David Hussey (71) and young Wriddhiman Saha (59 n.o.) fought back and almost stole the match. However Player of the Match Pathan kept his nerve to seal victory. Scores: Bangalore Royal Challengers 156 for 8 (Jaffer 44). Deccan Chargers 153 for 6 (Rohit 57, Laxman 52). Kings XI Punjab 178 for 6 (Marsh 40, Gul 2-27). Kolkata Knight Riders 169 for 6 (Hussey 71, Saha 59*, Pathan 2-18, Sreesanth 2-25). Sunday's matches: Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings.
