Kings XI Punjab’s poor run in IPL 2020 continues as they succumb to pressure against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 202 runs, Punjab fell short of 69 runs. Punjab skipper KL Rahul pointed out that losing wickets in the Powerplay including that run-out Mayank Agarwal made things tough for them.
Chasing a mammoth total, Nicholas Pooran was the only shinning start in otherwise, which has been another poor effort with the bat. In-form opener KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal went back to the hut early followed by Prabhsimran Singh, who was playing his first game in IPL 2020.
Kings XI Punjab on verge of bowing out of IPL 2020
Nicholas Pooran took the onus on himself hitting Abhishek Sharma and Abdul Samad for 43 runs in a span of just 2 overs. In the process, he brought the fastest fifty of IPL 2020 of just 17 balls but it was not enough to take his side home. Rashid Khan bowled extremely well returning with figures of three for 12 from four overs to break the backbone and secure two crucial points for his side.
Batting first, Kings XI Punjab pulled things back in the last five overs after David Warner and Jonny Bairstow gave a prolific start. Both set off aggressively but Warner took a step back when Bairstow started to find the boundaries after the powerplay.
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Losing wickets at the top cost us – KL Rahul
They reached their respective landmarks and only when Bairstow was nearing his hundred did he slow down, that caused all the mayhem. Bairstow fell three short of his century while Warner chipped in with 52 before Punjab pulled things back. They managed only 41 runs in the last five overs losing six wickets to manage to post 201 runs which in the end proved to be enough to seal the tie.
Speaking the post-match presentation, KL Rahul that losing wickets in the Powerplay including that run-out Mayank Agarwal made things tough for them. Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab’s haven’t fired together yet. They will have a lot of work today ahead of their next game.
“When we lose wickets in the powerplay, it’s gonna be tough, especially when we’re playing only six batters. Getting Mayank run-out wasn’t the ideal start, it was a disaster. It was also one of those days when everything we hit in the air went to the fielders,” KL Rahul said.
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Furthermore, after another awful performance, KL Rahul backed his players saying all of them are talented and knows how to come back. Kings XI Punjab will have to pull things back quickly to remain in contention for a top-four spot.
“All our players are professionals and they understand their problems, as a captain you just put an arm around the shoulder. Everybody in this squad is talented. Sometimes it doesn’t come off and you’ve got to be patient with them,” he added.