In the current Indian Premier League (IPL), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were defeated by Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 5 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After electing to bowl first, KL Rahul’s PBKS easily attacked a challenging total of 166. Rahul was once again a standout player, hitting 67 and setting the stage for the incredible victory over Morgan ‘s KKR, After 2 losses, this was a much-needed win for the team.
PBKS now has 10 points as a result of this success. Meanwhile, KKR is to fault for the defeat since they missed a strong start from opening batsman Venkatesh Iyer, who hit a very well 67.
Middle-order batsmen Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, and Tim Seifert were unable to produce significantly, resulting in KKR failing to complete effectively. Captain Morgan’s shortage of runs for KKR has impacted the team. In the 4 games he has played in the UAE leg of the IPL, he has figures of 7, 8, 0, and 2.
PBKS deserves the win they seized the key moments: McCullum
Head coach Brendon McCullum discussed during the post-match conference, about Eoin Morgan’s lack of runs and his usefulness to the side. “He is one of our senior players, he is one of our international batters, and our captain as well. He would love to contribute to lot more runs for the side. He has actually captained the side really well tactically. Look he also wants some runs and we also need runs from our overseas players, particularly in those key spots as well”.
“I am confident that he will come all right and a couple of guys, which probably we can use more of. But some guys are going really well. I thought we played some really good cricket tonight,” McCullum said.
The KKR head coach also felt that PBKS deserved this win since they produced solid cricket across the game. “Look Punjab Kings deserved the win. I think they seized the key moments. But we certainly played a hand and had a good game of cricket.”
Despite the fact that KKR lost the game, the reality is that their net run rate is still on the upper side is a benefit. The team has 10 points after 12 matches.
