PBKS Skipper Iyer Hails Prabhsimran-Priyansh Following Win Over CSK

Chennai: After his team’s win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas lyer hailed the opening duo Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya and praised his team’s abilities to handle pressure. Thanks to a tough 61-run fight between Prabhsimran and Priyansh and a half-century from skipper Shreyas lyer, PBKS managed to surpass CSK’s total of 209 runs and secure their second win in two matches; CSK team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, is still looking for victory. Speaking during the post-match presentation, Lyer said, “The way we started today was an outstanding start for us. I feel the way they (Arya and Prabhsimran) batted was outstanding and that balanced the rhythm for us.”

Lyer also expressed his happiness that the entire batting line-up spent some time in the middle during these two matches. “It gives the team tremendous confidence. Whenever we are under pressure, people are aware of how to deal with it. We just decided to play some form of cricket in the dressing room to impress each other – it gives us a certain clarity and basically challenges each other,” he added. The PBKS skipper said the over-rate is something the team needs to consider going forward and spoke about spinner Yuzi Chahal’s spell of 1/21 in three overs; this spell was left incomplete in favor of giving the seamers more overs. “The over-rate is something we have to look at (going forward) and the only part we have to focus on. (On not getting Chahal out) I decided to go with the Mariners (seeing the batsmen they have). We all know how impressive Chahal is and whenever in doubt I go to him,” he signed. While CSK suffered their second defeat in the tournament, PBKS got their second win in a row. CSK were the first to bat with Ayush Mhatre (73 from 43 balls, six fours and five sixes), Shivam Dube (45* from 28 balls, five fours and a six) and Sarfaraz Khan (32 from 12 balls, six fours and a six) to post 209/5. In the run chase, a 61-run stand between Priyansh Arya (39 in 11 balls, three fours and four sixes) and Prabhsimran Singh (43 in 34 balls, six fours and a six), a fiery 22-ball 36 with six fours from Cooper Connolly and a fifty from skipper Lyer (50 in 29 balls, four boundaries and three sixes) took PBKS to the target. 18.4 overs.