The Kings XI Punjab have proven that they belong in the high flights of the 2020 Indian Premier League after securing victory in their last three games of the season. After losing six of seven games, KXIP has recovered and is now in contention for a top four result. The feat becomes even more impressive as KXIP has beaten the top three teams on the points table (Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore) in successive matches.
They looked very good on Tuesday, as they beat the capitals of Delhi for five wickets at Dubai International. Even though KXIP is on a winning streak, skipper KL Rahul has pointed out an area that still needs improvement. Although Rahul was relieved to see his team finally cross the line comfortably, he said the top four hitters must consistently close out games for the remainder of their IPL campaign.
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“My heart keeps reaching new limits in every game, but yeah, it’s good to finish it at 19 for once. I was wondering, I won’t lie, especially when you’re playing with six batters and an all-rounder, ”Rahul said in the post-game presentation.
“It’s something every team talks about: the set hitter has to finish the game. One of the top four does that. We have to correct that, ”he added.
KXIP has often struggled to finish games from comfortable positions at this IPL. For a change, it was an easy chase for KXIP against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday despite a rare failure of their first pair of KL Rahul (15) and Mayank Agarwal ( 5) .
Nicholas Pooran (53 of 28) came up with another blind shot and Glenn Maxwell (32 of 24) finally found a way to prepare for his five wickets victory over Delhi Capitals.
KXIP’s bowling unit pulled things out in the death overs to restrict DC to a below-par 164 for five.
Under fire Glenn Maxwell played a crucial 32 of 24 balls and took a wicket. Rahul said it was important to back the Australian.
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“Glenn is a great team man. He has been hitting well on the net. It was important to back it up. It was good to see him have time in between. Hopefully he will carry this good work into the next games, ”he said.
In their last match, KXIP had beaten the Mumbai Indians via a second Super Over and Rahul said he “didn’t get much sleep” after Sunday night’s game.
“It took me a long time to sink in. I kept thinking all night how we could have closed before the Super Over. But that keeps us humble, the game is bigger than any of us. ” Shikhar Dhawan (106), who was awarded Man of the Match for his record 100 in a row, said he took on the responsibility of scoring bulk after not receiving support from the other winger.
(with PTI inputs)
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