Punjab Kings mess-up yet another run chase to ruin their playoffs chances

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have found themselves in quite a predicament after a narrow six-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). PBKS now have just 10 points from 13 games. Even if KL Rahul’s side win their next match against table-toppers Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on October 7, they will have to wait for results of other games to have a chance to qualify. On the other hand, RCB’s eighth win from 12 games has officially ensured them a playoffs berth and they will be eyeing the top two spot in their remaining two matches. 

Kings miss the trick with batting order
PBKS made mistakes with their batting order. The move to send an out-of-form Nicholas Pooran at no.3 was not the brightest decision as it spoiled the momentum provided by the 91-run opening partnership. With 28 balls to go, the skipper sent Sarfaraz Khan ahead of their last-match’s finisher Shahrukh Khan after a chat with batting coach Wasim Jaffer, when they were padded up in the dugout. Sarfaraz got out for a golden duck adding to more pressure. Also, Henriques could have taken control of the run chase had he been sent up the order. He would have been a good fit at no.3.  

Chahal turns it around
Yuzvendra Chahal once again proved why he should be in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Chahal helped RCB make a comeback with the wicket of Pooran in the 13th over followed by Mayank Agarwal and Sarfaraz off consecutive deliveries in 16th over. He was economical as well giving 29 runs from his quota of four overs. 

Henriques returns with a bang
Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques played his first game of the second phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Henriques was spot-on with the ball taking three wickets from his four overs and giving just 12 runs. The all-rounder opened his account with the wicket of skipper Kohli followed by Daniel Christian off the next ball. In his second over, he got the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal as well. The 34-year-old was not sent up the order in the run chase.  Coming in to bat at no.7, he scored 12 runs from nine deliveries including a maximum in the last over.

Maxwell stars again
Glenn Maxwell has been rock-solid for RCB this season. Maxwell walked in to bat after two quick wickets in the 10th over. Maxwell accelerated in the middle overs while AB de Villiers played himself in at the other end. The Aussie scored 57 runs from 33 deliveries including three fours and four sixes to help RCB post a total of 164/7 on the board. This was his second consecutive half-century and fifth in the season.