Punjab Kings could manage 125 for 7 on a slow wicket but the bowlers put on a stellar performance to restrict SRH to 120 for 7 in 20 overs to keep their IPL play-off hopes alive.
Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul on Saturday said a narrow five-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match here has given him the belief that bowlers can stop any opposition team if they have good runs on the board.
Sent in to bat, Punjab Kings could manage 125 for 7 on a slow wicket but the bowlers restricted SRH to 120 for 7 in 20 overs to keep their IPL play-off hopes alive.
Rahul said, “We wanted to score 20-30 runs but we will win. This gives us confidence that whatever the situation, our bowlers can get the opposition out on a good score.” Post-match presentation.
“(Mohammed) Shami started off, bowled really well, got two big batsmen in (David) Warner and (Kane) Williamson. It became easier for our spinners to settle into a good line and length. 21-year-old Ravi Bishnoi (3/24) was the bowlers’ choice as he ran through the SRH middle order when Shami chased down both David Warner (2) and captain Kane Williamson (1). Cheaply in the first and third overs respectively.
Chasing 126 for victory on a slow track at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, SRH posted 120 for 7 in 20 overs.
Punjab, however, did not do well with the bat and Rahul said the batsmen should realize that they need to approach their batting after assessing the conditions.
“The lesson for the batsmen would be to realize that it is not a 160-170 surface, if we had built some partnerships, we could have reached 140-150.
Rahul also praised West Indies’ Jason Holder (3/19, 47 not out) for his all-round performance.
“He (Holder) played very well. First with the ball, took those two wickets in an over and then batted really well, on a track where it was difficult to play big shots.” The defeat ended SRH’s hopes of making the play-offs.
Captain Kane Williamson, however, lauded the bowlers’ efforts on the tough wicket.
“The bowling unit, the fielding unit did a fantastic job. The surface was definitely tough. The partnership needed and we were definitely backing ourselves to come close,” he said.
“It took a great individual performance from Jason Holder in both parts, especially with the bat to keep the match competitive. This (SRH) is a proud franchise, a disappointing season.
“We need to find areas to improve… We need to come into the next game with fresh eyes and independence. We will try and do our best. Smart cricket has to be played with different surfaces. ”
Holder, who was named player of the match, said it was a “tough defeat”.
“Halfway through we were in the game. There’s a little too much left to do in the back end. It was good to start (with the ball) well… I just wanted to give myself a chance and strike well .
“Obviously, we have five games left and these are important games for us… the fans are always behind us, so there’s something to play for them.”
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