Glenn Maxwell devastated by Gujarat loss
Glenn Maxwell has termed the Kings XI Punjab's six-wicket loss against Gujarat Lions yesterday as 'pretty devastating'. Maxwell blamed the bowlers and the fielders for the loss as the Kings failed to defend a 190-run target that had been set up by Hashim Amla's second IPL century.
Dwayne Smith was the main protagonist of the run chase as he scored an entertaining 39-ball 74 to set up the win for the Lions. However, the West Indian was dropped twice during his innings- at 43 and 51 respectively that Maxwell pinpointed as the turning point in the game. After the defeat, the Kings' playoff qualification is no longer in their hands.Â
"Pretty devastating," Maxwell said after the game, reported PTI. "189 was enough, the bowlers and fielders let us down. We dropped three crucial catches. We haven't won a heap of games in a row. We've had to scrap."Â
But the defeat is still not the biggest problem for Punjab as the South African duo of Hashim Amla and David Miller will now depart for their preparations ahead of the Champions Trophy.
"Unfortunately, we'll lose Hashim and David Miller now, and we'll have to look deep in our reserves and regroup," Maxwell added.
Having already lost the race for a playoff place, Suresh Raina looked at the bright side stating that the season had been a good learning experience for the youngsters. While he praised the Gujarat openers, Dwayne Smith and Ishan Kishan, whose 91-run opening stand put the visitors in a commanding position, Raina also paid homage to Sandeep Sharma and Mohit Sharma, who bowled well at the death to take the game into the final over.
"We had too many injuries (this year). (But) still a good season for the youngsters," Raina said.
"Smithy (Smith) and Ishan gave us the platform and later on me and DK (Dinesh Karthik) had a good partnership. I think it was about six-over partnerships.
"Sandy (Sandeep Sharma) and Mohit (Sharma) bowled brilliantly in between, but
Cricket FootBall Kabaddi
Basketball Hockey
SportsCafe