Mohali:
Kings XI Punjab skipper Glenn Maxwell said that although chasing massive 200-plus total is not easy in a Twenty20 game but his side had a very good chance to overhaul the challenging target against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. Chasing 208 to win, Punjab lost the match by 26 runs and slipped to sixth from fifth position in the points table.
"It was chaseable. We were sloppy with the ball and inthe field. We bowled either side of the wicket. There were a few soft dismissals in isolation. If you put together it looks bad," Maxwell said after the match.
The Australian praised his compatriot Shaun Marsh, who came out all guns blazing with his 84-run knock in Punjab's chase. "Marsh was absolute class, he was striking the ball beautifully. He has done it for Kings XI for 10 seasons. It is a quick turnaround for us. At least we will be at home and turn up next game," he said.
Winning captain David Warner was pleased with the way hisbatsmen responded after being asked to bat. "Look we had to come out with a positive mindset. The wicket played fantastic. Fantastic knock from Marsh. Shikhar wanted to play his natural game. Kane is a fantastic player. The way he comes in and plays so freely and so elegantly isgreat for the team," he said.
Asked about dropped chances, Warner said, "This venue is quite hard under lights, a few basic drops. Those were high in the air but no excuses."
Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan was adjudged Man of the Match for his superb spell in the middle overs. "It is a big league and big state; just tying my best to learn from them. Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan) has been superb for me and helping me with his experience. The confidence and the motivation comes from the coach and skipper. I want to dedicate this award to my family and my brother Jalil," he said.
