Match Details
Given the previous encounters, the run-chase was never going to be a tall ask for the World Giants and Kevin Pietersen made it inevitable after just a few overs. He blazed away to an array of shots in the powerplay as they raced off to 62 in the first 6 overs and there was just no looking back for them. Sanath Jayasuriya was massacred for 30 runs in an over which followed a 21 runs over from Dilhara Fernando and there was no way back for the Asia Lions.
It was Nuwan Kulasekara who provided the maiden breakthrough when he got the wicket of Herschelle Gibbs to reduce them to 28/1 but from there on it was just sheer carnage on display as the balls kept flying over the boundary ropes. Pietersen was making a mockery of the Asia Lions bowling during his devastating display of batsmanship. His innings of 86 of 38 which included 9 fours and 7 sixes.
Kevin O'Brien also provided him with able support as he worked his way through to 31 of 24 deliveries. Pietersen was eventually dismissed by Muralitharan but by then the match was all but done and dusted. Corey Anderson was also dismissed at the final juncture of the match. In the end, it was Brad Haddin who struck a boundary down deep square leg to seal the match for the World Giants.