Paul seems unrelenting. He continues to perform and steal the show. Yet again Punjab fared beautifully today. They won the match by 8 wickets and plentiful of 26 balls to spare! The star of the night was – Paul Valthaty. He seems to display vintage form of the time he was dropped of the U-19 team due to injury. Today, not only did he score heavily and impressed with the bat, he gave a staggering bowling act as well!
So, we now arise to a new fact – Paul has the potential of being front line bowler and an amazing aggressive opening batsman!
His figures of 4 wickets for 29 runs are the best for Kings XI Punjab in all the IPL seasons. He first removed valiant Deccan opener Dhawan for 45 runs and then followed it with imperative wicket of inform Chipli. Later, in his last spell he sent the boom-boom Christian for 30 and Mishra, back to the pavilion.
Other Punjab bowlers seemed to fumble. Some got a stick and other didn’t click.
It was Paul who led the bowling attack from the front. This night was again ‘his’. Kings XI affirmed Paul to again anchor the chase of a respectable 166 runs. He was trusted on his abilities to fare well. He exactly did that. He yet again built the momentum for the chase. He actually seemed ruthless – stroked 5 sixes and 8 boundaries!
What Paul Valthaty did today is really very courageous, daring and appreciable – Standing at the crease with the “bombardment model” of the globe – ‘Adam Gilchrist’ and overshadowing him in destruction! Wow, he just did that unflustered and strongly.
Valthaty made a contribution of a flourishing 75 runs off 47 balls at a strike rate of 159.57. Whilst, Gilchrist made a contribution of 61 runs at a strike rate of 132.6! They were both the charms of victory for the Pubjabi’s. But, how Valthaty retorted and executed on the field amidst the intensity was damn palpable.
The lightening thunder storm of Gilchirst and Paul lasted for 14 overs. They already had exploited 136 runs. The job left was done by Nayar and Karthik.
What we rediscovered today was a new jewel, a new sensation in town – Paul Valthaty. We now know that this man is a big match winner. He has the knack to turn the game around his head. He can do both the acts dazzlingly – bat and bowl!
He will have a chance to pull off a hat-trick with his next match first ball as he leaves with two wickets in two last balls of the first innings pen-ultimate over. To add to the frame of accomplishments he has also became the joint-highest run-getter this season with his clean and merciless hitting!
Paul affirmed today – “I am no one match hero folks! I am here to stay and I will continue my triumph.” You have any appraisals?
Tags: Cricket, Indian Premier League, IPL, IPL 2011, IPL 4, Kings XI Punjab, KXIP, Paul Valthaty