Yusuf Pathan slammed an unbeaten 34-ball 52 in KKR’s do-or-die clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad to help his team sail into the Indian Premier League 2016 playoffs.
Gautam Gambhir had said his team felt lik a Class IX student before their final league against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He shed light on how his team ran out of steam in the mid-stages of the Indian Premier League 2016 and that it was facing a must-win situation in Sunday’s game just like the student who is racing against time to clear the final exams. (IPL Full Coverage|Points Table)
Gambhir, however said his team was focussed and would give their best to make the playoffs. And in front of their home crowd at the Eden Gardens, KKR did just that. Riding on Yusuf Pathan’s 34-ball 52, KKR sealed a playoff berth with a 22-run win over SRH .
The all-rounder partnered with Manish Pandey and the duo looked at ease against a strong SRH bowling attack stitching an 87-run stand for the fifth wicket. Pathan remained unbeaten to take KKR to 171 in 20 overs.
‘YUSUF’S ROLE HAS CHANGED’
Skipper Gambhir was all praise for his Yusuf, who has been in rich vein of form this season. “Yusuf’s form is important and he’s not flirting with it. Yusuf is taking his time and his role has changed from being a finisher last season. We are now giving him more overs,” Gambhir said.
In reply, SRH could only manage 149 in their 20 overs. Credit should go to KKR’s Sunil Narina who lead the show with the ball scalping three wickets in his four overs. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with two wickets to haunt SRH.
‘CREDIT GOES TO THE ENTIRE GROUP’
Gambhir lauded the way the team stood up in a must-win game.
“It was a must-win game for us. The credit goes to the entire group. We can take a lot of positives from this game.
“It was a playoff for us. Suddenly when you lose a player of Russell’s caliber, it forces us to make changes,” he said.
‘LOOK IN CONTROL THIS SEASON’
Yusuf himself is elated with his consistent contributions for the team. The swashbuckling player has altered his style of playing to suit the team’s needs. From 14 games this season, Yusuf has scored 359 runs at a staggering average of 89.75 including three half-centuries.
“Very happy that the team has been helped by my performance. Moreover, I look in control this season and feel calm given the overs I have been getting.
“Enjoying my bowling too, and whenever there’s an opportunity, I try to do well,” he said after being named the Man of the Match in yesterday’s game.
y, I try to do well.
source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> News / New Delhi -May 23rd, 2016