Katich the King of Punjab

Simon Katich struck 75 from 52 deliveries © Getty Images

The Kings XI Punjab secured back-to-back IPL victories with a four-wicket win over the previously unbeaten Delhi Daredevils.

Australian opener Simon Katich struck 75 from 52 balls to perfectly pace the Kings XI’s run-chase, overhauling a victory target of 159 with three balls to spare.

Captain Yuvraj Singh struck the winning runs with a sweep for four as he finished unbeaten on 40.

Earlier, the Daredevils endured a tough start after captain Virender Sehwag won the toss and elected to bat.

Sehwag was first to fall when he was trapped leg before by Irfan Pathan, before Brett Lee had Shikhar Dhawan caught behind without scoring.

After withstanding the early pressure opener Gautam Gambir fell for 18, caught at mid-off from the bowling of VRV Singh, leaving the Daredevils 45 for three.

The visitors settled down with Manoj Tiwary (39) leading the way, alongside Shoaib Malik (19), Dinesh Karthik (17) and Rajat Bhatia (17).

Farveez Maharoof scored a rapid 18 late on to help the Daredevils post 158 for eight.

The Kings’ reply started poorly with Karan Goel trapped lbw by veteran paceman Glenn McGrath for one, and Kumar Sangakkara’s stay was also short-lived, Mohammad Asif having him caught behind for four.

Mahela Jayawardene and Katich stabilised the innings with a 58-run stand before the Sri Lanka captain was caught and bowled by Malik for 15.

Katich and Yuvraj then added a further 50 to take the game away from the Daredevils.

When Katich finally fell, run out attempting a quick single, the home team needed 40 from six overs.

And Yuvraj ensured Katich’s earlier work did not go to waste as he guided his team home.