Mohali: Kings XI Punjab skipper David Miller gave the post-match presentation ceremony a miss after his team suffered their fifth defeat in the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League against Mumbai Indians on Monday.
While the reason for Miller’s unavailability was not known, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma was relieved after his side got back to winning ways. Coach Sanjay Bangar represented Punjab in place of Miller.
After the 25-run win, Rohit said: “It [this win] means a lot, considering our last few games hasn’t gone the way we wanted to. We played like we are known to, this is the performance we have been expecting.”
Parthiv Patel (81) and Ambati Rayudu (65) shared 137 runs for the second wicket to help Mumbai set a target of 190 for Kings XI.
“The stand between Parthiv and Rayudu set the game for us,” Rohit added. “Really happy with the way we batted. We always knew someone or the other would have to put up his hand and set the game for us. All games from here are important for us.”
Bangar blamed his bowlers for the poor outing.
“I thought we bowled pretty poorly in this game,” he said. “Getting 190 on the track on the large outfield was always going to be challenging. 50-50 things haven’t gone our way. No excuses for a poor bowling effort.”
For Kings XI Punjab, Glenn Maxwell finally found form as he top-scored with 56 off 39 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six. Shaun Marsh made 45 off 34 balls with the help of three fours and a six.
Bangar said: “Maxwell got over that 10-ball barrier and showed us what he is capable of. We have to be positive, we have a break of about five days from now.”
Man of the Match Patel said: “[This knock] Very important for me, on a personal point of view as well. Wicket was dry, we decided that one of us would play till the 15-16th over. It’s important to carry on the momentum.”
