NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings faced a disappointing start against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their crucial encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday.
After winning the toss and choosing to field first, Punjab Kings struggled with their fielding, dropping three vital catches in the opening five overs, including two off Virat Kohli.
Kohli’s initial reprieve came on 0 off fast bowler Vidhwath Kaverappa’s bowling as he tried to play through the on-side but ended up skying the ball off a leading edge, which Ashutosh Singh failed to catch while backtracking from point.
Kohli was offered another chance on 10 during Kaverappa’s second over when Rilee Rossouw, diving at short cover, couldn’t hold onto a powerful shot.
After winning the toss and choosing to field first, Punjab Kings struggled with their fielding, dropping three vital catches in the opening five overs, including two off Virat Kohli.
Kohli’s initial reprieve came on 0 off fast bowler Vidhwath Kaverappa’s bowling as he tried to play through the on-side but ended up skying the ball off a leading edge, which Ashutosh Singh failed to catch while backtracking from point.
Kohli was offered another chance on 10 during Kaverappa’s second over when Rilee Rossouw, diving at short cover, couldn’t hold onto a powerful shot.
Rajat Patidar was dropped on 0 off Kaverappa’s over in the fifth, as Harshal Patel at deep backward square leg let slip a straightforward catch from a pull shot.
Both teams are facing a must-win game to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, with the loser becoming the second team eliminated after Mumbai Indians.
This match is also the final league game of the season in Dharamsala and the last home game for the Punjab Kings.
