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Pre Match Analysis

KXIP take on demoralized KKR

PORT ELIZABETH, MAY 3: After a great run of three wins, KXIP was abruptly halted in their tracks on Friday by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The heartbreaking loss by 8 runs and subsequent results on Sunday means that KXIP now stands at number 6 in the points table with three wins and three losses. A win on Sunday, though, will move them to joint first with Deccan Chargers and Delhi Daredevils.

While not much was wrong with the KXIP performance on Friday, coach Tom Moody felt that there were some areas that needed looking at. “We’re not going to over analyze the loss. We’ve had our meeting and we discussed what happened. We’re moving forward and not looking back,” he said. KKR has been having a rotten time of it in South Africa and have just one win to show in 7 matches. Ironically, that win came in a rain-shortened game against KXIP at the start of the tournament.

Weighing both sides’ strengths and weaknesses, KXIP stands stronger on paper given their previous performances and the team make-up, but KKR is now in a position where they just have to win to keep even mathematical chances of them making the semi-final alive. A win for KKR would count as an upset, but more than that, it will throw the tournament wide open with an even more crowded middle-of-the-table setting.

There are some interesting battles to look out for in this game. Chris Gayle who may be staying back for this game before leaving for England will want to leave on a high and something to show for after 8 games. In the first encounter between the two sides, it was his batting that saw D/L rule in KKR’s favour. But at that time, Yusuf Abdulla wasn’t the top wicket-taker in the tournament. Nor had Yuvraj Singh taken a hat-trick or scored one of the quickest 50s of the tournament.

Other woes for KKR include an unsettled and out of form batting order. Brad Hodge put up a good show against Mumbai Indians on Friday but could not complete the task at hand. While Brendon McCullum has been struggling with his form, Saurav Ganguly who started well could not do much after the initial few games.

For KXIP, the focus will be on getting back to their winning ways and ensuring a return to the top half of the points table. The bowling looks settled and the batting is showing promise but for the blip in the last game. Despite that result, there is confidence that the team can bounce back. “A loss will happen in sport at some time. We are confident, though, that we can continue to play well and have good results,” said Irfan Pathan who is in fine form with bat and ball and will be looking to lead the younger players.

With the first round of matches almost over, it is now down to the business end of the league matches. Every win is crucial since other teams’ performances and results are out of your hands. And KXIP knows this. They are going for the win.

Post Match Analysis

KXIP clinch last-ball thriller

PORT ELIZABETH, MAY 3: Yet another nail-biter in the DLF IPL and Kings XI Punjab was on the winning end this time. After a close loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore two days ago, KXIP held their nerve to put one over the Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

Electing to bat first after wining the toss, KKR got off to a slow start. Chris Gayle threatened to cut loose, but fell early to Yusuf Abdulla for just 17. Brendon McCullum had decided to play the anchor role but being unnatural for him, he never got going. A very sedate 19 for him was cut short right after the strategy break when he fell to Piyush Chawla.

Brad Hodge, though, continued his good work from the last game scoring a second successive fifty. He remained not out on 70 and it was thanks to his efforts that KKR managed their eventual total of 153. His partnership of 51 with Sourav Ganguly turned the tide in favour of the KKR and a final assault from Morne van Wyk left KXIP with a tantalising chase.

After another change to the side and batting order, an all-new opening pair of Kumar Sangakkara and Sunny Sohal took guard for KXIP. The KXIP chase didn’t get off to the best start with Kumar Sangakkara dismissed in the first over for 0. Simon Katich walked in and steadied the ship with Sohal. Together, they put on 43 runs to get KXIP back on track. Sohal scored 25 that included three massive sixes – he went on to win the maximum sixes award as well for the day. His assault on the KKR bowlers gave the KXIP innings the much-needed impetus. And it was infectious as Simon Katich powered his way to 34 off just 28 balls before falling to the part-time spin of Brad Hodge.

Yuvraj Singh played an uncharacteristic innings scoring just 14 before he fell to Ishant Sharma. KXIP had lost a few wickets and needed someone to play a settled down innings. And Mahela Jayawardene proved to be the right man for the job. His 52 not out was the winning innings that KXIP needed. And with Irfan Pathan, he ensured that there were no close calls at the end.

Despite their planning and hitting, KXIP was looking at an uncomfortable 19 off the last two overs and 7 off the final over. And it went down as close as 2 off 2. The final ball saw McCullum lay siege to the pitch with all fielders crowding Irfan Pathan. But a cool head by Pathan saw him score the single KXIP needed to register their 4th win in the competition.

After another close call, coach Tom Moody didn’t think too much of it. “It’s the nature of the game. You will get some close games and the wickets are contributing to this too. It was good to be on the right side of this one,” he said. With the team making changes to the opening pair and batting order for the last three games, Moody said it was to ensure the team doesn’t get predictable.

There were over 5 catches dropped by both sides today but coach Moody wasn’t too perturbed. “It’s tough to judge high catches against a clear blue sky but generally, we did well and better than our opponents for sure,” he said.

Hard-hitting Sunny Sohal who had a great debut today said, “It feels great to have been able to contribute to the win. I think we did well and would have liked to have won a bit more easily, but it’s ok!”

KXIP goes back to Durban to play their next match against the Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday.