Nicholas Pooran: If it’s in My Zone, I Hit it

KXIP batsman stars in win over Delhi

Nicholas Pooran

Batsman Nicholas Pooran appreciated a strong display in the Kings XI Punjab's five-wicket victory over the Delhi Capitals in Tuesday's 2020 Indian Premier League fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pooran hit a brisk half-century, as Punjab reached a 165-run target with six deliveries to spare. His 53 spanned 28 deliveries – and featured six fours and three sixes.

“My innings was simple. If the ball was in my zone, I tried to strike it as cleanly as possible,” he said.

“I am a naturally aggressive player. I play on merit. If it's in my zone, I hit it. Simple as that. If it's a match-up, it's a match-up.

“I have been hitting the ball pretty well. I have been getting starts but haven't been able to convert those into big scores. Even here I got a start but couldn't finish the game for the team. That's disappointing for me.”

The hard-hitting left-hander was involved in the run-out of KXIP opening batsman Mayank Agarwal, who has been among the IPL 2020's leading run-scorers.

“One of those nights, one of those nights. It was tough. Poor communication. Simple,” added Pooran.

The West Indian star was not named player of the match. The award went to Delhi opener Shikhar Dhawan, who hit a second century in a row. His 106 not out lasted 60 balls – and was lined with a dozen fours and three sixes.

IPL 2020 Standings

The result lifted the Kings XI Punjab to fifth position in the 2020 IPL's eight-team standings. The Capitals retained the lead despite defeat.

Punjab have never won the IPL. The Mumbai Indians are the reigning champions. They beat the Chennai Super Kings in the 2019 final. Mumbai have four titles and Chennai three.

The Kolkata Knight Riders have won the IPL twice. The Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have clinched the title once each.

This year's tournament is being hosted in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE co-hosted the competition in 2014. The 2020 IPL is being played without spectators as a preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2020 Caribbean Premier League was played without spectators for the same reason.

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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.