The loss to Delhi Capitals notwithstanding, Kings XI Punjab coach Mike Hesson reckons that “destiny is in our own hands” as far as making the IPL playoffs is concerned.
Kings XI Punjab coach Mike Hesson
New Delhi:
“We played good cricket and there was probably only one game, in which we were a bit disappointing, and that was against RCB when we were below our own standards, but outside of that we have actually played very well, I think,” Hesson said at the post-match press conference on Saturday night.
The former New Zealand coach added, “The destiny is in our own hands and, when we come to the back end of the tournament, that’s what you want.
“And you know that if you play well you give yourself good chance of winning. We gave ourselves a decent chance. And I am very proud in terms of the way we played in conditions that were challenging, the way we hung in there, was a good effort.”
Batting first, KXIP scored 163 for seven in its stipulated 20 overs, before DC completed its chase with two balls to spare.
“It was a good score batting first, the ball was holding a bit, so I think the fact that we looked to attack early on because we knew it was going to get harder as the ball got older, 163, on this surface, was a decent score.
“But, obviously, dew was always going to be a main factor and that was something that was considered at the toss by both sides. We certainly didn’t get the hold in the wicket that we were hoping for,” said Hesson.
The visiting Kings XI Punjab suffered a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Delhi Capitals in the return leg match. The mid-table team now has five wins and as many reverses from 10 outings in the ongoing 12th edition of the league.
“We played good cricket and there was probably only one game, in which we were a bit disappointing, and that was against RCB when we were below our own standards, but outside of that we have actually played very well, I think,” Hesson said at the post-match press conference on Saturday night.
The former New Zealand coach added, “The destiny is in our own hands and, when we come to the back end of the tournament, that’s what you want.
“And you know that if you play well you give yourself good chance of winning. We gave ourselves a decent chance. And I am very proud in terms of the way we played in conditions that were challenging, the way we hung in there, was a good effort.”
Batting first, KXIP scored 163 for seven in its stipulated 20 overs, before DC completed its chase with two balls to spare.
“It was a good score batting first, the ball was holding a bit, so I think the fact that we looked to attack early on because we knew it was going to get harder as the ball got older, 163, on this surface, was a decent score.
“But, obviously, dew was always going to be a main factor and that was something that was considered at the toss by both sides. We certainly didn’t get the hold in the wicket that we were hoping for,” said Hesson.
Ashwin fined for slow over-rate against Dc
Kings XI Punjab captain Ravichandran Ashwin has been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow-over rate during the Indian Premier League match against Delhi Capitals here. “As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Ashwin was fined Rs 12 lakh,” read an IPL statement. Ashwin is the fourth captain to be fined for slow over-rate in the ongoing season of the IPL after Mumbai Indian’s Rohit Sharma, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Virat Kohli and Rajasthan Royals’ recently-sacked skipper Ajinkya Rahane.