New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) After Kolkata Knight Riders failed to chase a modest target of 112 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL match, former South Africa wicketkeeper and coach Mark Boucher slammed the defending champions’ approach, saying they “batted themselves into a hole.”
The three-time champions were bowled out for just 95, handing Punjab a historic 16-run win as they defended the lowest total ever in the tournament’s history.
KKR looked in control during a 55-run partnership between Ajinkya Rahane (17 off 17) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37 off 28) after being 7/2 early in the innings. However, with just 50 runs needed from 74 balls, the team spectacularly collapsed to 79/8, eventually getting bundled out inside 16 overs.
“It’s not like a 140 or 150, and it’s not like a 60-run target. It was a total that was always gonna be awkward. It’s a total that as a batting team, you’re expected to go out and get it. I just think that they batted themselves into bit of a hole.
“They got off to a decent start after the two wickets and then they came out being quite tentative. Which is quite strange, from a team that’s just come off on the back of a win. So yeah, I just don’t think that the batters that came in were batting at the intensity that they needed to,” said Boucher on Star Sports.
Former India batter Robin Uthappa echoed Boucher’s sentiment and said, “In this kind of a situation, 111 and 112, in that sense, is a double-edged sword. It’s like getting 120 in a T20 game, it’s like 6 runs an over; it’s easy peasy. But if you don’t get the right start as a batting unit, you’re under pressure. And suddenly a lot of these thoughts come through your head. Well, I’m flabbergasted.”
“For KKR’s sake, they just imploded. It’s like they puked all over that innings after a point because they were 62 for 2. And from there, they were 79 for 8,” said Uthappa.
Following the defeat, KKR dropped to sixth in the IPL 2025 points table with three wins and four losses from seven games. They’ll aim to bounce back when they face Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens on April 21.
–IANS
hs/bc
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
