Follow UsRishabh Pant wasn’t one bit pleased with Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) efforts on the night against Punjab Kings (PBKS) as they fell 37 runs short during the run chase. After putting PBKS to bat first, LSG’s bowling wasn’t particularly disciplined, as they let Prabhsimran Singh off the hook, with the right-hander smashing a 48-ball 91.
Late onslaught from Shashank Singh meant that PBKS got themselves to 236, a score that seemed way more on a surface that wasn’t the best to bat on. In the post-match presentation, Pant revealed that LSG lost the clash because they conceded too many runs.
“Definitely too many runs. When you're going to drop crucial catches at the wrong time, it is going to hurt you badly. We thought it was going to do more. We didn't pick the length right at the start. That's part and parcel of the game,” Pant said.
However, LSG’s skipper didn’t rule themselves out of the qualification race, as he still believes that they will make it to the playoffs.
“The dream is still alive. If we win the next three matches, we definitely can turn it around. It makes sense when your top order is batting really well. In every match, you can't hope they will come off nicely,” he added.
On the other hand, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer was elated with the ‘team effort’ but then bowed down to Prabhsimran’s crazy knock, where he smashed six fours and seven sixes.
“Elated to be honest. Everyone stepped up at the right time. The contribution was immense from each and every individual. The way Prabs performed today was exceptional. All the shots played were exceptional to the eye. I'm glad I did not know about it. I stepped onto the pitch to win the match, that was my mindset,” he said at the post-match presentation.
With the ball too, PBKS were heavily supported with the new ball as Arshdeep Singh gave them early inroads. In particular, Arshdeep’s dismissal to remove Nicholas Pooran was crucial in the bigger scheme of things, as the left-handed batter got out for a five-ball six.
“We have been lucky so far, the luck has been there because of the hard work and the commitment shown. Everyone stepping at the right time, each and every individual know their roles precisely.”