Kings XI Punjab rode on twin half centuries by Shaun Marsh (60) and Kumar Sangakkara (50) to post a six-wicket victory over Deccan Chargers in a close but inconsequential Indian Premier League match here tonight.Chasing a target of 176, Kings XI openers Sangakkara and Marsh shared 84 runs for the first wicket to lay the strong foundation for their ninth victory in the tournament which they achieved with three balls to spare.Towards the close, there was some anxious moments for the home team. With asking rate reaching near 10 per over from the last three overs and four wickets having fallen, the Chargers pressed for a wicket but experienced Mahela Jayawardene (14; 10 balls; 1X6) and young Piyush Chawla (16; 10 balls; 1X4; 1X6) shared an unfinished 39-run stand for the fifth wicket to reach 178 for 4.Shaun Marsh was later adjudged Man of the Match. Earlier, bottom placed Deccan Chargers made 175 for four after being sent in by Kings XI skipper Yuvraj Singh, raised mainly on the basis of half centuries by captain Adam Gilchrist (50) and Rohit Sharma (50).After todays victory, Kings XI, who have already qualified for the semifinals along with Rajasthan Royals, joined the Shane Warne-led side at the top of table, with 18 points from 12 matches.Home team openers Sangakkara and Shaun Marsh began on a whirlwind fashion as if they wanted to finish the match quickly. The opening over by RP Singh was plundered for 14 runs with Marsh smashing a six and a four.
