Photo: iplt20.com
New Delhi: It was a must-win match between Rising Pune Supergiant and Kings XI Punjab on Sunday and the Steve Smith led RPS humiliated Punjab to qualify for the playoffs and eventually finishing on 2nd position to set up a tie with Mumbai Indians in the qualifier 1.
Pune defeated Punjab by 9 wickets and achieved the target with 48 balls to spare, putting an end to the Glenn Maxwell led side’s campaign.
Punjab’s poor show against Pune has left their Director of Operations Virender Sehwag displeased. The former Indian explosive batsman lashed out at their foreign stars including skipper Glenn Maxwell.
Talking in the press conference, Sehwag said, “I’m very disappointed. I can say that none of the foreign players took responsibility and at least play 12 to 15 overs. Their role was at least one of the top four should bat for 12-15 overs, but none of the batsmen took responsibility."
Punjab suffered a batting collapse and their international stars failed to rise on crucial occasion. Martin Guptill, Eoin Morgan, Shaun Marsh and Glenn Maxwell combined scored a total of 14 runs.
“I think they were complaining that the wicket was a bit slow, but when you play international cricket so much, you should get used to playing on difficult or good wickets.”
The wicket wasn’t that bad that we were skittled for just 73 runs. Even if we would have made 120-130, we would have still been in the game. Our batsmen have been extremely irresponsible today.” Sehwag added
Sehwag had few harsh words for skipper Glenn Mawell, who was sent packing without scoring a single run.
“We always knew that when Maxwell fires, then he can win the match on his own. But he didn’t fire in eight or nine games. That is a big disappointment, especially since he’s experienced, having played for Australia’s Test and ODI teams. He didn’t take the responsibility as a captain and didn’t perform for Kings XI Punjab.”
However, Glenn Maxwell finished as their second highest run scorer with 310 runs after Hashim Amla.