(Reuters) – Lucknow Super Giants claimed the top spot within the Indian Premier League (IPL) with an emphatic 75-run victory towards the Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday however skipper Ok.L. Rahul mentioned there was nonetheless a lot to enhance for the brand new franchise.
Quinton de Kock belted a half-century and Avesh Khan struck thrice with the ball within the run chase as Lucknow bowled out Kolkata for 101 to safe a fourth straight victory and transfer forward of the Gujarat Titans on internet run-charge.
“Played rather well, began nicely with the bat… it was a tough wicket. Knew it was going to be gradual and sticky, so had to get round 150-160,” mentioned Rahul, including that they might execute their plans higher.
“Still cannot suppose of any sport the place we have had an entire efficiency. Still areas to enhance. Don’t suppose any staff is going to be excellent anyway, we aren’t chasing that… do not know if we’re peaking on the proper time however we’re getting the wins, we’re doing what is predicted of us.”
Kolkata have now misplaced 4 of their final 5 video games and head coach Brendon McCullum rued a limp batting show that was marked by their failure to get going within the powerplay.
“Unfortunately we weren’t in a position to put collectively a good sufficient partnership on the top of the order,” mentioned McCullum, whose facet are eighth and 4 factors off the final playoff place.
“We struggled within the powerplay which has been a frustration for us all through the season. We’ve been good all through the center part and never too dangerous on the loss of life, however within the powerplay, we have been slightly unstuck.”
Aaron Finch’s batting woes continued after Australia’s white-ball captain fell for a run-a-ball 14 to Jason Holder. The opener has managed simply 86 runs at a median of 17.2 in his 5 IPL appearances this season.
“We’ve to discover a technique to not lose many wickets (early on) and likewise throw a number of punches and get a number of boundaries,” McCullum added.
(Reporting by Dhruv Munjal in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
