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Gavaskar Slams Punjab Kings After Costly Loss to Mumbai Indians

Sunil Gavaskar criticized Punjab Kings for losing a match they should have won after scoring 200 runs against Mumbai Indians. Gavaskar pointed to Shreyas Iyer's failure and expensive bowling from Xavier Bartlett as key reasons for the defeat. He praised Azmatullah Omarzai's all-round performance and suggested continuing to back him. Punjab Kings remain fourth in the points table with 13 points from 12 matches.

Key Points: Gavaskar: Punjab Kings Should Have Won vs Mumbai Indians

  • Punjab Kings scored 200 runs but lost to Mumbai Indians by one ball
  • Gavaskar says PBKS let a winning position slip away
  • Shreyas Iyer's failure cost Punjab extra 20-30 runs
  • Gavaskar questions use of expensive pacer Xavier Bartlett
2 min read

'This was a game Punjab Kings should have won': Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar criticizes Punjab Kings for letting a winning position slip, as MI chased 200 with one ball to spare. Tilak Varma's 75* led the chase.

"This was a game Punjab Kings should have won after scoring 53 runs in the last three overs to get past 200. - Sunil Gavaskar"

New Delhi, May 15

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that the Punjab Kings should have won the game against the Mumbai Indians, and they have let a winning position slip away as they lost the match after scoring 200 runs in the first innings.

Punjab Kings had recovered brilliantly in the final overs after a middle-overs collapse, with Azmatullah Omarzai producing a late assault to push the total to 200. Omarzai smashed 38 off just 17 balls, while opener Prabhsimran Singh earlier scored 57 off 32 deliveries.

However, the Mumbai Indians chased down the target with one ball to spare, thanks to an unbeaten 75 from Tilak Varma and an aggressive start from Ryan Rickelton.

Reflecting on the result, Gavaskar said PBKS were in a strong position after their late batting surge.

"This was a game Punjab Kings should have won after scoring 53 runs in the last three overs to get past 200. At that stage, they had the momentum and looked in control," Gavaskar told Jio Hotstar. "Shreyas Iyer's failure also hurt because when he scores, Punjab usually gets another 20-30 runs, which could have made the difference," Gavaskar explained.

The cricket legend also questioned some of Punjab's bowling decisions, especially the use of Xavier Bartlett, who went wicketless and proved expensive. The Australian pacer gave away 53 runs in 3.5 overs.

"Bartlett has been expensive, and I was surprised he wasn't given the new ball on a helpful pitch," he said.

Gavaskar reserved special praise for Omarzai, who contributed with both bat and ball during the match, and suggested Punjab should continue backing the Afghan all-rounder in the remaining games.

"Azmatullah Omarzai was outstanding with both bat and ball, and perhaps Punjab should continue backing him while also considering Marcus Stoinis for added batting depth," he added.

Meanwhile, with the fifth consecutive loss, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are present at fourth position in the points table with 13 points in 12 matches. They will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aditya G
Honestly, I'm frustrated as a PBKS fan. We keep snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Gavaskar is right—Omarzai's batting was incredible, but our bowling changes are puzzling. Why bowl Bartlett when he's clearly out of form? Bring in Marcus Stoinis for stability! This is the same story every year—choke under pressure. Still, credit to Tilak Varma for Mumbai; that was a special knock. 😤
K
Kavya N
Watching this match as a neutral was thrilling! Punjab's finish with 53 runs in the last 3 overs was epic, but Mumbai's chase was even better. Tilak Varma is a future star for India—his composure under pressure was world-class. Gavaskar makes a valid point about Omarzai; he should be a regular starter. But let's be honest, PBKS's inconsistency is legendary at this point! 😅
J
James A
Interesting take from Gavaskar. From a tactical perspective, I agree that 200 should have been enough. But the pitch looked good for batting, and Mumbai's openers set the tone. Punjab's bowling lacked discipline—Bartlett's economy was 15.65! That's unacceptable in any T20. Shreyas Iyer's form is a concern; he's the captain and needs to lead from the front. Still, great entertainment for fans. 🏏
A
Amit P
I have to disagree respectfully with Gavaskar here. Cricket is a game of fine margins, and Mumbai bowled well in the middle overs to create pressure. Punjab's middle-order collapse (losing 4 wickets for 42 runs) was the real turning point. Yes, Omarzai's late hitting was great, but you can't defend 200 if you don't take early wickets. The dew factor also helped Mumbai in the chase. Better luck next time, Punjab! 👍

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