CRICKET
IPL: Sunrisers near early exit after PBKS loss
Jason Holder put on a fiery show with his all-round performance, but lack of support saw Sunrisers Hyderabad slump to another defeat.
Punjab Kings survived a low-scoring thriller to win the contest by five runs.
After setting up a meagre target of 126, the game looked like it’s up for grabs for SRH.
But an early collapse meant another failed run chase for Kane Williamson’s men.
As a result, SRH ended up for 121/7.
Form slump continues for Williamson, Warner
Williamson and David Warner are some of the best white-ball players in the world.
However, both have failed to register a single match-winning knock in this campaign.
They have been returning to hut in single figures, exposing the rest of the batting line-up.
Jonny Bairstow’s departure has hurt Hyderabad as well.
The Englishmen was performing well as an opener, but he decided not to participate in the UAE-leg of the season.
Holder bags MOTM
Jason Holder carried on his CPL form into IPL.
The Caribbean star was awarded Man of the Match despite playing a hand in the losing cause.
First, he picked three wickets to stop the Kings from reaching a big total.
He then spanked PBKS bowlers all over the park, remaining unbeaten at 47*.
The former West Indies skipper gave one of his best IPL performances, but middle-order’s failure meant that his lone theatrics weren’t enough to seal the deal for Hyderabad.
Even PBKS skipper KL Rahul lauded Holder for his performance. “Holder played a phenomenal inning,” he said in the post-match interview.
“He picked up two wickets in an over to get me and Mayank. He came and batted really well… There was no pace on the pitch.”
Punjab Kings 125 for 7 (Markram 27, Holder 3-19) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 120 for 7 (Holder 46*, Bishnoi 3-24, Shami 2-14) by five runs.
Match preview – CSK vs KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings will meet in the 38th match of the Indian Premier League on Saturday.
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium will host the game that kicks off 3:30 pm (India Time).
Probable MOTM winner
Ravi Jadeja
Jadeja is arguable at the peak of his career, bowling brilliantly and providing Chennai with late fiery knocks with the bat.
The CSK veteran can be seen all over the field when he plays. Apart from his fielding displays, Jadeja can’t help but remain in the limelight for his all-round contributions.
Getting rid of him as early as KKR can be on Eoin Morgan’s agenda.
Match prediction
Chennai Super Kings are placed second at the IPL 2021 points table.
They have won seven games and lost just twice.
The way they have turned the tables on every team this season goes to show how brilliantly Mahendra Singh Dhoni has handled their downfall in 2020.
They have got 14 points in the bag already and flaunt the best net run rate in the table.
CSK have almost booked a spot in the playoffs, but beating Kolkata would be the cherry on the top.
Kolkata have been rising to the ranks steadily, winning both of their last two games.
But they don’t seem to have the flow that CSK have.
Hence, Dhoni and co should win the Saturday showdown with ease.