Barath fails in IPL debut

Teenaged West Indies batting star Adrian Barath failed on his Indian Premier League debut as his Kings Eleven Punjab plunged to their third straight loss, a narrow six-run defeat to Deccan Chargers today at Barabati Stadium.



The flashy right-hander, who scored a century on Test debut against Australia last December, made just seven as Kings Eleven Punjab were restricted to 164 for eight off their 20 overs, in pursuit of 171 to win.



Entering at 46 for four in the eighth over, Barath smashed the fifth ball he received through mid-wicket for four but generally struggled to get the ball away.



Attempting to break the shackles, he was caught at long-off off the first ball of the 11th over, trying to clear the boundary with left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha.



Irfan Pathan, batting at number seven, top scored with 60 from 29 balls with three fours and five sixes but the rally came too late.



With 19 required from the last over, Kings Eleven Punjab could only muster 12 as they remained winless in the competition.



Earlier, Australian Andrew Symonds hit 53 from 38 balls with three fours and three sixes to lead Deccan Chargers’ charge after they were sent in.