New Delhi, May 25
Following Punjab King's (PBKS) loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League clash on Saturday, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble said that the former should be concerned about their bowling.
Sameer Rizvi saw his team home with an unbeaten 58 off 25 balls studded with three fours and four sixes as the DC chased the target of 207 with three balls to spare at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.
Punjab Kings have already qualified for the playoffs and are sitting at the second spot with seventeen points.
Speaking at the PBKS bowling, Kumble said, "Yes, PBKS should be concerned about their bowling. We have seen that on display. Other than Arshdeep and without [Harpreet] Brar to an extent... we don't know what happened to Chahal [who missed the game]. It's certainly worrying. And with Marco Jansen not being there for the playoffs, this is a worry," Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo's Time Out show.
Coming to the match, DC won the toss and opted to bowl first. Half-century from skipper Shreyas Iyer (53 in 34 balls, with five fours and two sixes) and a quickfire cameo from Marcus Stoinis (44* in 16 balls, with three fours and four sixes) guided PBKS to 206/8.
Mustafizur Rahman (3/33) and spinners Vipraj Nigam (2/38) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/39) excelled with the ball for DC.
DC got off to a solid start a 55-run stand between Rahul (35 in 21 balls, with six fours and a six) and Faf Du Plessis (23 in 15 balls, with two fours and a six). Nair (44 in 27 balls, with five fours and two sixes) stiched a partneship of 62 runs with Sameer (58* in 25 balls, with three fours and five sixes) to make the work easier.
Later, Sameer and Tristan Stubbs (18*) also put on a 53-run stand to win the game with six wickets in hand. Sameer got the 'Player of the Match' award.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Kumble is absolutely right! PBKS bowling has been inconsistent throughout the season. Arshdeep can't do it alone. Hope they sort this out before playoffs or it'll be another early exit 😔 #PBKS #IPL2024
What a match though! Sameer Rizvi's innings was fire 🔥 But PBKS really needs to work on their death bowling. Giving away 200+ runs is becoming a habit. Need to support their strong batting lineup better!
Honestly, PBKS management should have planned better for overseas bowlers. Relying so much on Marco Jansen was risky. Now with playoffs coming, Indian bowlers need to step up big time. #IPL2024
As a PBKS fan since 2008, this is so frustrating! Every year same story - great batting, weak bowling. When will they learn? 😤 At least we qualified this time, but need proper balance to win trophy!
Kumble's analysis is spot on. But let's not forget PBKS is still 2nd in table! Their batting can chase anything. If bowlers can just contain opponents, they have real chance. #StayPositive
Why isn't anyone talking about fielding? Dropped catches cost PBKS at least 20 runs yesterday. Bowling + poor fielding = disaster in playoffs. Need complete performance! 💪
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