IPL 2018, KXIP vs KKR: 5 reasons why Punjab lost

Today’s first encounter witnessed two teams in the middle of the table lock horns at one of the smallest grounds in the country. Kings XI Punjab were hosting Kolkata Knight Riders at Indore as both the teams were eyeing to move up in the league table.

Punjab won the toss and invited the visitors to put some runs on the board. It was a horrendous decision as it eventually panned out for Kings XI.

Kolkata began with an attacking approach as the duo of Lynn and Narine smashed bowlers all around the park. The Knights registered their highest score in the IPL as they batted their way to an intimidating score of 245 for 6.

Chasing a mountain-high 246, Punjab were never into the game after the departure of KL Rahul. They always played the waiting game as they were left with a daunting task at hand. Eventually, the visitors won the game by 31 runs to keep their hopes alive in the league.

Let’s take a look at some of the reason that propelled a Punjab loss:

#1 Sunil Narine's onslaught at the beginning

It was a day to forget for the bowlers as Sunil Narine came with all guns blazing at the opposition. The Caribbean Southpaw was in no mood to show mercy as he attacked with the word go. He, along with Chris Lynn, got their side to a splendid start. The duo mustered runs at a brisk pace to post 59 runs in their six overs.

Even after the dismissal of Lynn, Sunil carried on with his carnage. He saw his side in the driver’s seat before departing for a well made 75 from 36 deliveries. This was one of his cleanest hittings in the VIVO IPL as KKR powered themselves to a century of runs within ten overs. This was even his highest score in the history of the league.