IPL 6: PWI vs KKR - The Quick Flicks

In what was a do-or-die game for KKR, they put up a listless performance to lose to the team that find themselves at the wrong end of the totem pole. In any sport, it is tough for the defending champions to replicate last year’s performance. But one expected KKR to play better in IPL 6.

Snap shots from today’s game:

PWI’s haphazard selection policies

When a team is on a losing streak, it can be best exemplified by their haphazard selection policies. In IPL 6, PWI seem to be directionless, as they have made random selections. They have changed captains at will. For the game against KKR, they made four changes to their side. To make it worse, Rasool, who made his debut in PWI’s last match against MI, got dropped. Rasool just bowled one over in his debut game against MI.

PWI’s batsmen deliver in fits and starts

IPL 6 has been a disaster for PWI, as nothing has gone right for them. Even today, they delivered in fits and starts. But some useful pyrotechnics by Pandey and Yuvraj Singh helped them to at least set a challenging target for KKR.  PWI’s captain, Finch, too played well. He isn’t one of those who believes in constructing his innings through timing and placement, but certainly can play a few power-packed shots. A word of praise for Pandey too. He has largely struggled in this year’s IPL. Up against KKR though, he injected pace at the right time by playing some eye-catching shots through the off-side.

Finally, PWI’s bowlers execute their plans

PWI’s bowlers have bowled some wayward stuff in the death overs, but they executed their plans better against KKR. Both Kumar and Mathews bowled wide yorkers to keep KKR’s batsmen on their toes. Parnell wasn’t at his absolute best in the final overs. But he  showed his class by sending both Bisla and Kallis packing to the pavilion with scorching deliveries. Anyone who can swing it late will always be a threat with the new ball. Parnell also brings a bit of variety into the attack, as he is a left-arm quick to boot.

Yusuf Pathan comes to the party

It has been ages since one has seen Pathan deliver the goods in the IPL. Today, he played well against PWI. If he would pick one team to score runs, it has to be PWI. They don’t have a tall, hit-the-deck bowler who can tuck him up and not give room outside the off stump. Credit still has to go to Pathan, as he played with a cool head on his shoulders. Just when it seemed like Pathan would take KKR home, he was out in a bizarre manner.

Yusuf Pathan – It is cricket and not football

Everyone can have a brain fade and do silly mistakes. Yusuf Pathan, by kicking the ball with his shoes, did that against PWI. A few may still say the benefit of doubt could have gone to Pathan. But at the risk of upsetting the legion of KKR’s fans, I have to say that he was clearly out. Hopefully, he will learn from this mistake.

Both KKR and PWI have been disappointing in this year’s IPL, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that they have failed to qualify for the play offs. PWI, though, finally have something to cheer about. Before this game, PWI hadn’t won a match since April 15th. In IPL, that is a long time not to win a game.