'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Shaun Marsh
With 175 runs to chase in the second innings, Kings XI were definitely banking on a steady start from their openers. Instead, Shawn Marsh looked inept against a Zaheer Khan delivery that held its line to knock-off his stumps. If not for an absolute blinder from his more experienced compatriot on the other end of the crease, the result of this game could have been a whole lot different. Now that his side still holds a chance to clinch a place in the playoffs, Marsh will need to put up a much better show to guide his side to winning ways.
Muttiah Muralitharan
It’s been an indifferent season of IPL for the legendary Sri Lankan bowler, who has come up with nothing but below par performances for the RCB side. With a required run-rate hovering around 7 per over, and only five overs to go, a spinner is expected to keep a tight line and contain the run-rate during his spell – and Murali certainly got it all wrong tonight. In his last couple of overs, Murali ended up conceding 31 runs to squander any possible chance of an RCB comeback. All and all, it would be safe to suggest that we may have seen the last of Murali in the IPL.
Things haven’t panned out in the most ideal manner for the RCB pair, as the Pujara-Gayle combo has done little to fulfill their potential. The Jamaican has definitely done his job for most of this season, yet it’s the Indian youngster that has failed to stamp his credentials on the shortest format of the game. Pujara barely looked his usual self on the crease as he mistimed several balls that required to be put away for boundaries. Eventually, his slack judgement of line failed him on a rather mediocre delivery from Awana, as he scooped one towards point to end his miserable evening.
Probably it’s the Delhi Dasher’s inconsistency that attracts more attention than any other batting attributes he displays on the field – and today, he just went on to emphasize that fact. Having a get-able target to chase, the pragmatists would opt for a cautious approach to assume control of the game. Yet, when it comes to Sehwag, all plans go out of the window if he sees a ball there to be dispatched towards the ropes. It was the same hasty approach that brought his downfall as he went after an incredibly wide ball only to edge it behind towards Dhoni.
