Agarwal: It Really Hurts to Not Close Off the Game

Punjab lose to Delhi

Cricket Fans India

Batsman Mayank Agarwal was disappointed not to lead the Kings XI Punjab to victory over the Delhi Capitals in Sunday's Indian Premier League fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pursuing a target of 158, Punjab slipped to 55/5 before Agarwal struck 89 from 60 deliveries. His fine effort included seven fours and four sixes.

The Kings XI levelled the scores during regular play, but ultimately lost after Delhi Capitals fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took two wickets during the one-over eliminator.

We had a tough day,” Agarwal told KXIP TV.

“There are a lot of positives to take out. The way we came back was fantastic, the way we bowled with the new ball was terrific. It really hurts to not close off the game from the situation we were in, feels terrible.

“This is just the first game. We can get things rolling again. Let's see how we will go in the coming games. I think to play a game like that first up was fantastic.

“Everyone was up for it. The guys really put in the effort. Definitely, we should have finished the game when we needed one run.

It was a par score and going into the break, we knew that if we can stitch a partnership and not give them wickets with the new ball, we could win the game. We batted extremely well to reach there. I don't know what to say about the final moments.”

Stoinis player of the match

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was named player of the match. He hit a brisk half-century and removed Agarwal and all-rounder Chris Jordan during the closing throes of regular play.

“Stoinis batted extremely well. Even if we made a little mistake, he took us apart. So credit to him and he had a great game and he did really did well for them at the death,” added Agarwal.

Stoinis' Delhi Capitals team-mate Axar Patel added: “Marcus performing like this in the first game itself means we don't have to change our strategy too much. It's good we won the super over and the morale is high in the dressing room.”

The Chennai Super Kings defeated the Mumbai Indians in the opening fixture of the IPL 2020. The Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore will meet on Monday.

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Jonhenry dedicates his global gaming knowledge to the iGaming industry. He produces content about cricket, in addition to playing and training.