Kings XI Punjab hosted newcomers Gujarat Lions who were making their Indian Premier League debut at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on 11th April, 2016.
Gujarat Lions captain Suresh Raina won the toss and elected to bowl. Batting first, Kings XI Punjab posted a total of 161 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Gujarat Lions needed 162 runs in 20 overs to win the match in their IPL debut.
And he's going to be packing a lot of knock-out punches for us this #IPL. Presenting to you, @AaronFinch5. #GL pic.twitter.com/felYtTh8Pl
— The Gujarat Lions (@TheGujaratLions) March 3, 2016
Australia’s Aaron Finch and New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum opened the innings for the Lions. The Kiwi batsman didn’t last long as he departed for a duck in the final ball of the 1st over, heaping considerable pressure on his partner. The 29-year-old Aussie took responsibility on his own shoulders as he notched up 74 runs off 47 deliveries, operating at a strike rate of 157.45. He smashed 12 boundaries all across the field in the process. Finch departed in the second last ball of the 12th over after falling prey to Pardeep Sahu, with 117 for three in 11.5 overs on the scorecard.
Aaron Finch’s Wagon Wheel:
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Finch has always been a Twenty20 specialist and his performance propelled GL closer towards their first victory in the IPL. The swashbuckling batsman is a crucial player for the Rajkot based outfit and the Lions will be counting on him to repeat such a performance on a regular basis.