Punjab Kings are unlikely to qualify for the playoffs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. They lost to Gujarat Titans by three wickets at home after another batting flop show. The hosts were bowled out for 142 runs, a target that was never enough to win a contest. Although GT lost seven wickets, they had players who helped them cross the line.
Former player Irfan Pathan said that it was a pitch blunder that cost them the game. He said the home franchise got the track more suitable for the Titans.
“Punjab Kings made a mistake of giving a pitch with something for the spinners. They knew the Titans had three good spinners but still went with the dry surface. GT’s three spinners took 7 wickets, which was the real story. The pitch was dry, and it suited the Titans’ bowling style.
“Punjab should have given some water to the surface to make it more suitable for their fast bowlers. The moment GT saw the track, they included three spinners in the playing XI, and their reading of the pitch was more accurate than the home franchise,” Irfan Pathan said.
Sai Kishore of Gujarat was named the Player of the Match for taking four wickets in his team’s win. Noor Ahmed dismissed two batters while Rashid Khan added 1 scalp to his bowling figures. It was the Titans’ fourth win of the season but they haven’t looked in the batting department.
