IPL 2018, KXIP vs KKR: 5 reasons why Punjab lost

Today’s first encounter witnessed two teams in the middle of the table lock horns at one of the smallest grounds in the country. Kings XI Punjab were hosting Kolkata Knight Riders at Indore as both the teams were eyeing to move up in the league table.

Punjab won the toss and invited the visitors to put some runs on the board. It was a horrendous decision as it eventually panned out for Kings XI.

Kolkata began with an attacking approach as the duo of Lynn and Narine smashed bowlers all around the park. The Knights registered their highest score in the IPL as they batted their way to an intimidating score of 245 for 6.

Chasing a mountain-high 246, Punjab were never into the game after the departure of KL Rahul. They always played the waiting game as they were left with a daunting task at hand. Eventually, the visitors won the game by 31 runs to keep their hopes alive in the league.

Let’s take a look at some of the reason that propelled a Punjab loss:

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#1 Sunil Narine's onslaught at the beginning

It was a day to forget for the bowlers as Sunil Narine came with all guns blazing at the opposition. The Caribbean Southpaw was in no mood to show mercy as he attacked with the word go. He, along with Chris Lynn, got their side to a splendid start. The duo mustered runs at a brisk pace to post 59 runs in their six overs.

Even after the dismissal of Lynn, Sunil carried on with his carnage. He saw his side in the driver’s seat before departing for a well made 75 from 36 deliveries. This was one of his cleanest hittings in the VIVO IPL as KKR powered themselves to a century of runs within ten overs. This was even his highest score in the history of the league.

#2 Dinesh Karthik–Andre Russell partnership in the later stages

After a loss of few quick wickets in the middle overs, it was much necessary for KKR to continue with the flow of runs to post a mammoth total. In order to pursue the same, the charismatic duo of Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell showed their class in the end overs.

It was some real delight to watch them bat together as they kept taking the ball hard over the fence for most no. on occasions. They mustered 76 runs in a span of five overs to provide their side with the required late flourish in the innings. Dinesh smacked his first fifty of the season. He paved his way through to a score of 50 runs in just 23 balls to give his side the much-needed impetus at the end.

#3 Off day for KXIP spinners at the office

It was a highly disappointing outing for the Kings XI bowlers especially for the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has been in sublime form with the ball. It was always tough for spinners to bowl under lifted fielding restrictions and on such a small ground at Indore. The pitch looked a batting paradise as batsmen enjoyed hitting shots without any fear.

The trio of Ashwin, Mujeeb and Axar, looked pathetic in their outing with the ball. They conceded 116 runs in nine overs between them. They were taken on remand by Sunil Narine and then later by Karthik, who executed his shots against spin to perfection.

Kings XI also suffered a huge loss when Mujeeb got hit on his bowling arm in the second over itself, to see him going out of the action for a major part of the first innings.

#4 KL Rahul fought a lone battle

This has been the story in past few matches for the Kings XI Punjab. KL Rahul has been in sublime form throughout the IPL, but the lack of support from the other end has left the Karnataka-lad out of options. He has carried his bat for past couple of matches and succeeded in taking his team over the line against on the first occasion.

Even today, chasing 246 to win, Rahul gives his side some hope as he started toying with the bowlers. It was a valiant effort for his 66 runs that came from 29-balls, glorified by seven huge sixes and two fours. After his departure, it was just a matter of time when things folded for the home team as they always found themselves short of the target.

#5 Andre Russell delivers with the ball

After posting 245 on the board, the visitors would have felt a sigh of relief but not necessarily against the Kings XI Punjab. The batting prowess of this team is quite intimidating as they possess the might to toy with any possible attack in the world.

The start was promising for Punjab and looked much on course to chase the unbelievable total. However, Andre Russell after delivering with the bat took the charge of his bowling.

The Caribbean bowled quick and fiery to count for three Kings XI wickets at the crucial stage of the game. He ran into that middle order and bagged two wickets in the same over to push the opposition on to the backfoot.

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