Match 60, Mumbai, May 13, 2022, 07:30 PM
Punjab Kings
209/9(20.0ov)
Royal Challengers Bangalore
155/9(20.0ov)
Punjab Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 54 runs
That concludes the proceedings for this match. On Saturday, 14th May, Kolkata will be facing Hyderabad at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT) in yet another crucial game of this season. You can join us in advance for the build-up. Until then, it's goodbye and cheers!
Jonny Bairstow is given the Player of the Match award for his 66 off 29 balls. Says that it was one of those days when it came off. Regarding taking on Josh Hazlewood, Jonny replies that there are many quality bowlers in the Indian T20 League, and he just tried to get Josh off his length and it paid off. On him batting at different positions for his national team and in this League, Bairstow says that it's completely different to represent England and to play for Punjab but the stats suggest that he enjoys opening the batting.
Mayank Agarwal, the captain of Punjab, says that they were brilliant with the bat and calls the batting efforts of Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone amazing. Adds that they have not changed their style a lot and it's important to assess the conditions and adapt accordingly. Tells that they cannot be too defensive with the ball as the boundaries are not long enough to contain the batters and you need to be aggressive with the ball. Feels that two points are more crucial for the team and as long as the job is getting done, he is fine batting in the middle order. Regarding Arshdeep Singh, Mayank calls him a very energetic guy who is very confident and enjoys his cricket.
Liam Livingstone (70 off 42 balls) comes up for a chat! The Englishman smiles and says that he has a tight calf and the taping was just a precaution. Mentions that this is how they want to play their cricket. Credits Jonny Bairstow for setting the tone and informs that he was just assessing the condition and knocking it around the corner before going for the big hits. Feels that they were 10-15 runs short and gives all the credit to their bowlers. States that they put the opposition under pressure from the beginning. Regarding his personal form, Liam replies that it's been a different role and he has tried to contribute in every way possible. Further says that he is seeing the ball well and it's nice to score a few runs. Also adds that he prides himself on the ability to bat at different positions and he is ready to bat wherever his captain and the coach want him to.
Faf du Plessis, the skipper of Bangalore, says that it was a good score and praises the batting of Jonny Bairstow who put pressure on the Bangalore bowlers. Feels that 200 was a par score on this pitch. Mentions that they lost wickets in a cluster and that didn't help them. On Virat Kohli finding different ways to get out, du Plessis replies that Virat is seeing the lighter side of his dismissals and Faf feels that it's all about how you stay positive and motivated. He is pleased with the way Virat Kohli is handling everything and hopes that a big score is around the corner. Shares that they have a little bit of break and they will try to forget this loss and put all their energy into the next game which will be a must-win for them. Adds that one more net session won't make you a great player and it's all about a strong mindset. Feels they are a very good team but this evening they didn't do the execution part right.
Stay tuned for the interviews...
This victory for Punjab was set up by the power duo from England - Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone. The former put on a show in the Powerplay and the latter navigated through the middle overs and provided Punjab with a strong finish. The overall bowling was decent and Kagiso Rabada stood out with a 3-fer. Rishi Dhawan and Rahul Chahar also did an impressive job.
It was a daunting task for Bangalore in the chase, and the start from them was bright and breezy. Virat Kohli looked in fine form, but his stay was too short. Three wickets fell in quick succession for Bangalore, and soon all the momentum got sucked away from their corner. Maxwell and Patidar threatened for a short while, but they both departed in the space of three balls and things unravelled quickly after that. A big defeat at this stage would have an adverse effect on Bangalore's NRR.
The victory was needed, the victory is achieved, and Punjab's campaign this season stays afloat! It was a clinical bowling show from them despite being put under pressure by Glenn Maxwell and Rajat Patidar for a brief period. Punjab will be delighted with this success as it can boost their morale.
In over# 20
1
0
1
4
1
1
Arshdeep Singh 27/1(4)
19.6
1
A length ball, on middle. Siraj looks to pull but bottom-edges it to long on for a single. Punjab win by 54 runs!
19.5
.
Shorter and on middle. Siraj swings and misses.
19.4
1
Angles it on leg, Josh Hazlewood makes room but inside-edges it to short fine leg for a single.
19.3
4
FOUR! Full ball, slower and in the slot. Josh Hazlewood swings across the line and sends it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
19.2
1
A slower delivery, fuller and on middle. Siraj drives it to deep cover. The ball bounces awkwardly in front of Harpreet Brar but he does well to keep it away from the fence. A single.
19.1
1
Attempts a yorker, on middle, Josh pushes it to mid off and runs for a quick single.
In over# 19
0
0
4
0
1
0W
Kagiso Rabada 21/3(4)
18.6
.
This is outside off and it is the slower one. Siraj throws his bat at it but misses.
18.5
.
Full ball, way outside off. Siraj shuffles across and attempts to scoop it but misses.