IPL 2017, KXIP vs GL: 5 things that went wrong for Kings XI Punjab
In a format where centuries are quite rare, Hashim Amla has made two of them in a single IPL season. Yet, he has found himself on the losing side on both occasions. Despite registering a formidable total on board, Kings XI Punjab came unstuck in the latter part of the game against a hungry Gujarat Lions batting lineup at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Extra Cover: IPL 2017, GL v KXIP – Hashim Amla’s scoop is the SK Play of the Match
Riding on Dwayne Smith’s 39-ball 74 as well as useful contributions from the middle-order, the Lions pocketed a six-wicket victory to add some respectability to their position in the league table. Here are five aspects that went wrong for Kings XI in the high-scoring contest.
#5 Martin Guptill’s early dismissal
During Punjab’s previous game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Martin Guptill struggled to come to terms with the slow nature of the track and perished while trying to force the pace. However, the surface for this game was one which offered considerable value for shot-making.
All he needed to do was to get himself in before showing his complete range of strokes. Sensing the importance of sending him back to the dressing room early, Pradeep Sangwan delivered a well-directed bouncer at Guptill. Perhaps ruffled by the unexpected change in length, the opening batsman was unable to control his pull and subsequently paid the price.
If he had stayed on for a few more overs, Kings XI could have gotten off to a much more powerful start and the final total might have looked different.