Xtra Time Web Desk: Kings XI Punjab on Saturday defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 12 runs in Match 43 of IPL 2020 to make it four wins in a row. KXIP bowlers did a commendable job to defend the total of 128 runs. The win against Sunrisers took Punjab to fifth spot in points table with 10 points.
Opting to bowl first, Sunrisers bowlers did well to restrict KXIP for 126/7. None of the Punjab batsmen got going with Nicholas Pooran scoring the highest score (32 off 28). Chasing 127 runs to win, SRH got off to a flyer with David Warner and Johny Bairstow stitching 56 runs for the first wicket inside 7 overs. However once Warner got out trying to be too cheeky as he was well-caught by Rahul off Ravi Bishnoi. On the other hand, Bairstow was troubled by leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin before falling prey to him.
From 56 for no loss, Hyderabad were suddenly reduced to 67 for 3 with KXIP back in the contest. Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar did try to take the score deep but once Pandey was caught brilliantly by Jagdeesha Suchith off the bowling of Chris Jordan, Sunrisers batsmen never looked to bounce back. Young Arshdeep Singh bowled a terrific last over to restrict Sunrisers.
Talking about the fourth consecutive win, Kings XI Punjab Captain KL Rahul said, “We are making it a habit. Winning is a habit, which we didn’t find in the first half. Honestly, I’m speechless. Everybody’s chipped in. Low-scoring games is when you realise the importance of those 10-15 runs scored by batsmen, those diving stops and those tight overs. The work done is always behind the scenes. Not just the players but the support team. You can’t change a lot in tow months but all these guys have pushed the boys to be better and better. Even when we were sitting on the bottom of the table we didn’t panic. We kept scrapping and we’re really happy that the wins are coming.”
According to Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain David Warner, “Yeah it does hurt. Our bowlers did a fantastic job to restrict them. After our start, we took the foot of the pedal. Disappointed. We felt on that wicket spin would get tough to play. We bowled well with the new ball, didn’t get wickets at the start. Just got to forget this game and move on. We have to start again next match.”