Mohali, April 13: Little known Paul Valthaty today stole the limelight with a blistering 63-ball 120 in Kings XI Punjab’s stunning six-wicket win over title holders Chennai Super Kings here and the Maharashtra batsman said going into bat he was never overawed by the reputation of rival bowlers.
Chasing CSK’s mammoth 188 for four in their second Indian Premier League match, Kings XI rode on Valthaty’s unbeaten knock to overwhelm the target with five balls to spare.
“I was not overawed by the reputation of Chennai bowlers.
I batted to my strength and 189 was always on my mind,” said the 27-year-old right hander, who played just one one-dayer for Mumbai in 2006.
Kings XI’s today promoted Valthaty up the order and he said it was a deliberate move as the team had sensed that Chennai would open their attack with a spinner.
-Agencies