Kings XI Punjab skipper Glenn Maxwell lamented the opportunities lost in their 51-run defeat against Delhi Daredevils and rebuffed suggestions that the Indian bowlers in their attack are ineffective.
Maxwell said they had opportunities to snatch momentum right from the first ball when home opener Sanju Samson offered a half-chance but could not be converted into a catch.
“The weaknesses tonight was everything, the batting, the bowling, the fielding, it was pretty average. We let opportunities to slip. We drop Corey Anderson when he was in single figure as well. They were not straight forward chances but in T20 cricket, half chances needed to be taken, specially when they won toss and batted, we need to make sure we take our chances,” Maxwell said at post match press conference.
“They did not let us settle and get into the game. That was frustrating because we have got skills. The guys are good enough but it’s not happening.”
When asked if lack of international bowlers in the attack is affecting their chances, Maxwell chose to back the Indians bowlers in his team.
Their attack has Sandeep Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Axar Patel, Varun Aaron and KC Cariappa.
“They were good enough to dominate batsmen in the first two matches. It not quality it’s about execution on the day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kiwi all rounder Anderson, who played a crucial role in Daredevils’ win with his unbeaten 39-run knock and a wicket, said 190 was too good a total to not defend.
“It was a great start by Sanju but in the middle overs we should not have lost those wickets that affected our run- rate. We thought 160 was a good total. Getting those 20-30 runs was vital in the end and winning by 51 was comprehensive,” the Kiwi said.
Anderson said he thinks of himself more of a batsman, who can bowl.
“It depends on what the team requires from me. If I need to come and knock around a bit and bat till the end or If I need to bowl 2 or 4 overs. It’s easy in IPL being selfish. I am probably more of a batter who bowls.”
He also said that dismissing three Punjab batsmen proved crucial in the outcome of the match.
“Getting the early wickets was key. It’s difficult to come back, chasing such a total. The other day Mumbai did it.
but it was not a big total. It was a tough wicket to get going,” he said.
