A loss at home against Kolkata Knight Riders, despite Sam Curran and Nicholas Pooran's brilliant performance with the bat, meant that the Kings XI Punjab would need a huge helping hand in terms of results to make it to the VIVO Indian Premier League Playoffs.
Photo: SPORTZPICSSkipper Ravichandran Ashwin, though, was all praise for duo Curran and Pooran in the post-match press conference. “There are a lot of positives to come out of this season. Sam Curran did a great job for us today. Massive positives with respect to the way he and Pooran batted today,” said Ashwin.
After both openers returned to the pavilion within the first five overs, Pooran, who came in to bat at #4, took the attack to the Knight Riders' bowling attack and smashed 48 in just 27 balls, including three classy boundaries and four huge sixes. Pooran's key contribution in the middle overs helped the Shers get their innings back on track.
Curran, who returned to the team after a spell on the sidelines, made huge impact with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 55 off just 24 deliveries to help the Shers reach 183 in their batting effort. His inning was especially noteworthy, considering that he walked in on the back of two quick wickets, but still maintained a positive approach in the centre.
Curran hit two boundaries in the 19th over before smashing 22 in the final over, reaching his maiden VIVO Indian Premier League half-century in the process. “Sam batted beautifully, we all know he is got the ability and he's got the fight in him and he pulled off pretty well. We will look to continue playing such fearless cricket moving forward,” said skipper Ashwin in regards to the Englishman's strong outing with the bat.
