IPL 2021: Punjab Kings had a clear plan against SRH, bowlers had everything in control, says Aiden Markram
IPL 2021: Punjab Kings' new-recruit Aiden Markram said the Mohammed Shami-led bowling unit executed their plans to perfection to help them defend 125 against strugglers Sunrisers Hyderabad in Sharjah on Saturday.
In Short
- Punjab Kings defended the lowest total in Sharjah - 125 vs SRH
- Mohammed Shami and Ravi Bishnoi shone with the ball for PBKS
- SRH's chances of qualifying for the play-offs ended on Saturday
Punjab Kings batsman Aiden Markram stated that his team showcased a fantastic bowling performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad to defend a score of 125 in match 37 of Indian Premier League 2021.
SRH failed to chase down a 126-run target despite Jason Holder's quickfire 47 as they lost to PBKS by 5 runs on a slow pitch in Sharjah on Saturday.
With the ball, Ravi Bishnoi and Mohammed Shami excelled, taking three and two wickets respectively. This is SRH's eighth loss in nine IPL games this season as Kane Williamson's side lost out on an opportunity to reach the play-offs of IPL 2021.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul's side has won their 4th game of the season, putting them back in contention for a playoff spot.
The entire bowling unit was incredible: Markram
In a virtual post-match press conference, Markram said, "I must be honest, it looked like guys had everything in control. There was a clear plan out there on that wicket, until the very last ball we stuck to that plan and it was very good to see. The pressure can make you sort of change plans, then in hindsight, you always wonder should we have changed? It is good to see guys stuck to their plans and it was a very good feeling to get over the line.''
"I found it tough, sort of anything with pace off, was holding on the wicket and even pace on balls, it was not coming on so it was quite tough. Naturally, they have high-quality spinner Rashid Khan and he was always going to be a handful on a surface like that. It was tough in general, very difficult to find a boundary, the outfield was thick. Tough day for batting but it is about learning and hopefully, we can improve as a batting unit," he added.
"The entire bowling unit was incredible. Mohammed Shami started with wickets, and it is always crucial when defending low scores. Spinners Harpreet Brar and Ravi Bishnoi were incredible, it is important for us going forward and we can take confidence from this as a team," Markram remarked on the bowling efforts of PBKS.
Earlier, SRH restricted Punjab Kings to 125/7 in the allotted 20 overs with Holder recording figures of 3-19.
Punjab Kings will next face Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.