In Mullanpur, Punjab (India), following their defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane voiced dissatisfaction over his team’s batting display. However, he emphasized maintaining an optimistic outlook as more than halfway through the competition remains. Rahane also acknowledged responsibility for his dismissive shots which played a part in both his own demise and the overall collapse of the team.
During one of the most thrilling Twenty20 encounters in recent times, Punjab Kings emerged victorious against Kolkata Knight Riders, the reigning champions, at Mullanpur on Tuesday. Despite setting the lowest score ever recorded in IPL history, Punjab managed to clinch victory through their tenacity and determination. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal played a pivotal role with his exceptional bowling performance, taking four wickets for 28 runs, which led to KKR’s dramatic batting failure.
After the game, an upset Rahane stated, "There’s nothing to explain; everyone witnessed what occurred. The level of effort was quite disappointing. I’ll shoulder the responsibility for my dismissal—I played a poor shot, even though it might have been unlucky. I wasn’t clear about our conversation (with Angkrish Raghuvanshi) following theLBW decision. He mentioned it could come down to the umpire's judgment. At that moment, neither he nor I wanted to risk anything—we were both uncertain. This was the gist of our talk."
"I feel our team performed quite poorly with the bat; we fully acknowledge our shortcomings. However, our bowlers excelled on this pitch, limiting a formidable Punjab batting order to just 111 runs. Individually speaking, one must maintain confidence and positivity. Facing deliveries square on the front foot proved more effective here. Sweeping was particularly challenging under these conditions. While maintaining aggression, players ought to focus on playing sensible strokes. Our approach was overly aggressive, which led to errors, so we accept complete accountability. Right now, various thoughts are swirling through my mind. Yet, chasing down such a score seemed straightforward for us. Upon returning to the dressing room, I intend to stay composed before addressing the team. Positivity remains crucial despite recent setbacks. With half of the competition left, we aim to rectify mistakes and progress further," he stated conclusively.
In the game, PBKS secured the win during the coin toss and decided to bat initially. Priyansh Arya (scoring 22 off 12 deliveries, including four boundaries and one maximum) and Prabhsimran Singh (accumulating 30 runs in 15 balls, featuring two fours and three sixes) provided an intense beginning for PBKS through their partnership worth 39 runs. Nevertheless, Harshit Rana’s (achieving figures of 3/25) opening bowling spell along with impressive fielding efforts from Ramandeep Singh reduced them to 54/4 after the power play period ended. Later on, Sunil Narine (taking wickets for only 14 runs) and Varun Chakravarthy (conceding just 21 runs while claiming two scalps each) took control over the middle part of the inning, preventing PBKS batsmen from settling down as they eventually dismissed PBKS for 111 all out within 15.3 overs.
In the chase, PBKS bowlers showcased an impressive performance led by spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen (3/17). Their efforts completely changed the course of the game. Although Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37 off 28 balls, including five boundaries and one maximum) and Andre Russell (17 off 11 balls, featuring one boundary and two sixes) tried their best, KKR was dismissed for just 95 in 15.1 overs, resulting in a defeat by 16 runs.
PBKS is at the fourth spot, with four wins and two losses, with eight points. KKR is at the sixth spot, with three wins and four losses, giving them six points. (ANI)
Komentar
Posting Komentar