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Kings XI Punjab skipper David Hussey today backed his side to the hilt by saying that they do not lack firepower to pull off matches like the one against Delhi Daredevils.
Punjab put on 136 for eight but failed to defend the total, making Delhi daredevils the first team to qualify for the play-offs.
"I don't think so we are short of firepower. We fought the game out really well. Full credit goes to Irfan and Mahela. He ran the show beautifully," Hussey said after the five-wicket loss.
-Don't question integrity of my players: KXIP skipper Hussey
Mahela played an unbeaten knock of 56 to guide his side to win.
The job has become difficult for Punjab to seal one of remaining three play-offs places, but he was hopeful.
"Delhi are a very talented team. But we have shown the fans that we fight till the end and can still chase the finals," Hussey said.
The Australian also praised young fast bowler Parvinder Awana, who took three wickets for them.
"Awana's sort of come from nowhere, he's been the find of the tournament for us as far as bowling is concerned."
Winning skipper Virender Sehwag said the conditions suited fast bowlers and they utilised it to optimum level.
"There was little movement for the fast bowlers, Varun and Umesh bowled beautifully, took early wickets and put pressure on Kings XI. They struggled in middle overs, so good job by the fast bowlers," he said.
Sehwag said they did not lose hope even when a few quick wickets fell when they were chasing.
"We were expecting that Mahela could play till the end and finish the game. It is difficult to go in and play your shots; he took his time," he said.
Delhi Speedster Varun Aaron said, "Normally, Viru pa gives us the ball and tells us to bowl according to ourselves. It is the short format, you keep going for fours and sixes even off good balls. I was getting some swing."
Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images