Punjab beats Rajasthan by 27 runs in IPL

Kings XI Punjab produced a fine bowling and fielding performance to beat defending champion the Rajasthan Royals by 27 runs in an Indian Premier League match Sunday at Newlands.

After batting first and scoring 139-6, Punjab's bowlers restricted Rajasthan to 112-7 bowling a full length and swinging the ball sharply.

South African pace bowler Yusuf Abdulla was the pick of the bowlers with 3-21, while allrounder Irfan Pathan and spinner Piyush Chawla both chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Rajasthan were on the backfoot as early as the second over when Swapnil Asnodkar (3) was caught by Ramesh Powar off a delivery from Pathan.

Graeme Smith (2) then edged a swinging Pathan delivery to wickekeeper Kumar Sangakkara to leave Rajasthan on two wickets down with just nine runs on the board.

The only two Rajasthan players to make any real impression with the bat were Ravindra Jadeja, who made 37 off 44 balls before he was bowled by Abdulla, and captain Shane Warne who struck an unbeaten 34.

Warne was clearly unimpressed with his team's effort.

"We haven't found the right combination," Warne said. "the blokes at the top are not doing a good job. We've got to find a solution. The bowlers are not firing."

His opposite number Yuvray Singh praised Sangakkara, who struck 60 _ including seven fours and one six _ and Irfan Pathan, who scored 39 off 33 balls for lifting Punjab to a respectable total.

"We needed a partnership and those two gave us that," he said. "We defended the total nicely too."

Punjab had slumped to 4-48 before Sangakkara and Pathan came to the rescue.

[the article was originally published at http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=931499&lang=eng_news&cate_img=145.jpg&cate_rss=news_Sports]

Shilpa dresses up her boys

Global sport lifestyle brand PUMA announced its association with the defending champions Rajasthan Royals as the official sponsor of their home and away uniforms today at PUMA store on Linking Road, Bandra. Present to showcase the collection were team members from IPL Rajasthan Royal Yousuf Pathan, Swapnil Asnodkar and Mahesh Rawat. Players were dressed in PUMA tees that have been specifically designed for the Rajasthan Royals. The players who were all set to leave for South Africa shared with media their expectations from IPL season 2.

PUMA brings a sense of fashion, and flair to the kits with tailored jerseys, tracks, bags and flip flops. Although the uniforms have a more tailored silhouette, the technical materials, cuts and shapes are driven purely by performance, designed for the players to have the maximum flexibility to perform better. Made with 100% polyester, the PUMA Rajasthan Royals kits contain contract mesh inserts for comfort and breathability. They incorporate PUMAs patented moisture management technology,USP (Ultimate Sport Performance). Each garment also has a wicking finish to allow moisture management, keeping the players dry and comfortable.

Having the right technical gear and footwear during a 240-minute game is crucial to any cricket player, said Rajiv Mehta, MD PUMA India. PUMA has made apparel and footwear with the player in mind and they have truly proven themselves once again with the new uniforms.

Speaking on the association, Raghu Iyer, Chief Marketing Officer, Rajasthan Royals said, We are delighted to be associated with Puma who are the global leaders in sports and lifestyle gear. Puma offers our players the best in terms of comfort yet keeping them high on the style quotient. While our players flaunt the Puma gear, our loyalists and fans will also get an opportunity to sport the stylish new T-shirt.

[credit : http://www.indiainfoline.com/news/innernews.asp?storyId=98456&lmn=1]