IPL 8 preview: In Game X, Kings XI hope for turn in fortunes
RCB (lost to CSK)
What went Wrong: Momentum doesn’t bear much significance in T20 cricket. It’s an unpredictable format and the outcome is decided by the performance on the night. Royal Challengers Bangalore didn’t bat well against Chennai Super Kings and lost the game. They should be disappointed not to chase down a modest target of 149. Even after Virat Kohli’s dismissal, thanks to a magical piece of fielding by Dwayne Bravo, Bangalore should have done it. But Dinesh Karthik, yet again, failed to live up to his Rs 10.5 crore price tag. With 52 runs needed from 36 balls, the responsibility was on him to guide his side home. The keeper-batsman pulled a short ball from Ashish Nehra straight down square leg’s throat. Wickets in consecutive deliveries took the wind out of Bangalore’s sails.
What went Right: Bangalore had a good collective bowling performance. The outstanding Mitchell Starc once again led the charge, making early inroads and then coming back at the death to halt Chennai’s progress. David Wiese and Harshal Patel supported him well with a couple of wickets apiece. Bangalore’s bowling has improved considerably since Starc’s arrival.
KXIP (lost to MI)
What Went wrong: This has been a spectacular fall for the last season’s runners-up. They’ve failed to click as a unit this term and would be playing for pride in their last five matches. Glenn Maxwell’s lean patch has hit them hard. The Australian had 552 runs in 16 matches at a strike-rate of 187.75 last year. He provided the X-factor. This time, he has only 74 runs in six matches. Maxwell was brought back to the playing XI against Mumbai Indians after being left out in the previous two games. He looked to be getting into the groove with a couple of fours. Then, he attempted a reverse sweep off Jagadeesha Suchith and holed out behind point.
What went right: Nothing except, maybe, the 48-run third wicket stand between Murali Vijay and David Miller. Both, however, got out at the wrong time.
Conclusion
This is a big game for Bangalore in terms of staying in the top four. They start as odds-on favourites at Chinnaswamy. Punjab, on the other hand, need something inspirational to end their losing streak.
Source:: Indian Express
