NEWS
Follow UsPunjab were reduced to 27/2 in the fifth over of the innings, on the back of a great over from Jason Holder. Not only did Punjab lose their openers but also opened up a familiar wound – the form of their middle-order batsmen. While Chris Gayle found it tough to get going (14), the failure of Nicholas Pooran transferred the pressure on the lower-order.
With some sensible batting from Harpreet Brar and some lusty hitting from Nathan Ellis, Punjab got themselves to a total of 125, on a tough batting surface. While Punjab eventually managed to sneak away with a five-run win, their skipper KL Rahul was cross with the batting display. Rahul stated that this game was a lesson for their batting unit to not play too many shots on tough surfaces.
The skipper later appreciated the all-round efforts of the newbie Harpreet Brar, who scored 18 with the bat while finishing his four overs conceding just 25 runs.
“Lesson for batsmen would be to not play too many shots and understand it is not a 160-170 wicket. If anyone was set, we could have put 140. I think Harpreet is a brilliant all-round cricketer. He has finished games for us... He is not easy to hit or step under, and is a tall bowler. He is very difficult bowler to get away. Every time I go to him, he says, "Don't worry, I won't give away runs," KL Rahul said at the post-match presentation.
While Punjab made a mess of their last encounter against Rajasthan, Jason Holder’s innings was reopening some of the wounds from the last game. However, Nathan Ellis sealed the deal with an over full of variations to hand Punjab the win. Rahul credited the Caribbean all-rounder for his valiant effort in a losing cause for Sunrisers.
"Used to these games. Hope the TRP is up due to Punjab Kings. I'll take the win - nothing else to say. Holder played a phenomenal innings. He picked up two wickets in an over to get me and Mayank. He came and batted really well... There was no pace on the pitch,” he added.
The 29-year-old also stated that it was important for the middle-order to get stuck in on that wicket. He also added that the win gives them the much-needed confidence that they could defend low totals.
“It was important for our team for Chris and others to get stuck in. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. It gives us the belief that if you put a decent total on the board, the pressure can make the opposition do funny things. Shami got two wickets.”
