Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) suffered a 48-run defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the game played in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. So far, it was their third loss in four matches that they have played in the thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) underway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Now, the Punjab-based franchise has to register 7 wins in the remaining 10 matches to finish in the top 4 and to make way into the playoffs.
Create your own fantasy team now on the Rummy Bo Fantasy cricket app
Among KXIP bowlers, Sheldon Cottrell was the top-performer in the last outing versus Mumbai Indians, as he ended with economical figures of 4-1-20-1 and bowled his quota of four overs before the 14th over. He backed the decisions take on field by skipper KL Rahul and believes that his team will bounce back from it in the upcoming contests.
“We have a great bunch of guys. The coaching staff, Anil (Kumble) have been fantastic. We firmly believe that we will bounce back. I back my skipper 110 percent in whatever decisions he takes. Whatever he felt, he felt best for the team. It did not work today unfortunately but on another day I’m sure it will work,” said the Caribbean speedster in the post-match conference.
The pacer had scalped expensive figures of 3-0-52-1 versus Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the last outing, conceding 30 runs in an over, with rival batsman Rahul Tewatia smashing him for 5 sixes.
Cottrell felt it was certainly a great comeback in that regard and felt that his performance in the first innings (1/20) could have helped his side to be on the winning end.
“My comeback was excellent on my part. My bowling effort could have helped my team to cross the line. I’m feeling pleased with my performance,” said Cottrell.
KXIP’s death bowling woes cost them the match versus Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. In the last 5 overs, their bowling attack conceded 91 runs against RR, while it was 89 runs against MI.
I have been working hard on my death bowling: Sheldon Cottrell
Highlighting the performance by bowlers in the slog overs, Cottrell said that he has been working rigorously along with his partners to curtail the run count and that they are learning from their mistakes committed in each game. He added that the outcome of the toss doesn’t affect much but the better that performs well on the given day comes out meritorious in the end.
“I have been working hard on my death bowling, including my bowling partners. I think we are getting there. We are learning from our mistakes and practicing on the training ground. I’m sure we are going to pull it off very soon. It is just a matter of time for us.
Batting or bowling first does not matter. It is just for the team to go there and do their best and play good cricket. Best team on the day will come out victorious,” added the Jamaican cricketer.
Also Read – 5 Reasons why CSK can win IPL 2020
Chasing 192 against the likes of Trent Boult, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, and Jasprit Bumrah required a big partnership from KXIP top-order.
However, the executions failed as they lost the wickets of Mayank Agarwal (25), Karun Nair (0), and skipper KL Rahul (17), with the scorecard being 60/3 in 8.1 overs.
Neither Glenn Maxwell (11) nor James Neesham (7) could do any damage. Nicholas Pooran (44, 27b) was the only positive in KXIP’s batting order.
Also Read- Mumbai Indians All-Time XI
The KL Rahul-captained side is currently placed sixth in the points table with an NRR of +0.521 and two points under their belt.
Up next, Kings XI Punjab will face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on October 4 in Dubai.
Tips and tricks on how to play fantasy cricket on the Rummy Bo app
