Punjab Kings’ excellent built-up momentum within the run to the IPL 2025 Playoffs got here crashing down arduous on Thursday throughout their Qualifier 1 match in opposition to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in New Chandigarh.
Requested to bat first of their first Playoffs match since 2014, the PBKS placed on a horror present that ended with them being bundled out in 14.1 overs. With the highest order falling to questionable pictures, captain Shreyas Iyer got here underneath sharp criticism from specialists for his sport plan in opposition to RCB seamer Josh Hazlewood, who has been his nemesis within the format in earlier conferences.
Making an attempt a rash waft throughout the road off his third supply, Iyer feathered an edge off Hazlewood to wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma as he fell for two off 3 balls, leaving his aspect in a precarious state of affairs at 30 for 3 earlier than the whole line-up unravelled in fast time. Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody slammed Iyer for misreading the sport state of affairs and questioned his ways whereas fronting Hazlewood who had beforehand dismissed thrice within the format.
“The primary ball he performed and missed – the proper line that you just’d count on Hazlewood to bowl. He type of performed at it, however didn’t actually wish to play at it. After which, that third ball he bought out. To me, he completely misinterpret the sport state of affairs and his personal state of affairs. Sure, he would remember that Hazlewood has had him a number of instances up to now. He would know the precise numbers.” the previous Punjab coach mentioned in an ESPNcricinfo interplay.
Moody lamented that Iyer ought to have countered the Hazlewood menace cautiously. Iyer now averages an appalling 2.75 in 22 balls he has confronted off Hazlewood in T20s, with the Aussie seamer dismissing him 4 instances whereas conceding solely 11 runs.
“At instances, it is advisable put your ego in your pocket and simply transfer ahead. To me that was the proper instance of not studying the state of affairs – attempting to beat one thing that has been a darkness up to now as an alternative of simply swallowing your pleasure and simply transferring on by simply accumulating. You solely needed to see Hazlewood out. It was a easy factor – see him out and look to dissect the remainder of their assault.”
“Not a day to overlook, however bought to return to the drafting board. We misplaced a variety of wickets. There’s loads to return and research on,” Iyer mentioned reflecting on the eventual eight-wicket defeat.
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PBKS will subsequent face the winner of the Gujarat Titans-Mumbai Indians Eliminator match within the Qualifier 2 contest in Ahmedabad on Sunday.