Cricket

IPL 2023: They kept us in the game – Hardik Pandya on bowling effort of Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little after win against KKR

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya lauded the bowling performance of Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little after their seven-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday. KKR were restricted to 179-7 despite a blistering knock of 81 runs from only 39 balls by Ramanullah Gurbaz.

On a day when wily leg-spinner Rashid Khan was taken for 54 runs in his quota of four overs, his compatriot Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little returned with impressive figures. Ahmad and Little conceded only 46 runs in the eight overs they bowled collectively and took a total of four wickets.

Little had figures of 2-25 whereas Ahmad took 2-21 in his fine spell. The Irish bowler accounted for Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana while Ahmad dismissed Rinku Singh and a well-settled Ramanullah Gurbaz.

Thus, both of them played a key role in keeping KKR to a sub-par score of 179 runs on the board.

Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation, “They got us back into the game and kept us in the game (on Noor and Little), because the way Gurbaz batted, we were bowling good balls, but it was a long time I saw a batter playing with such conviction and clarity of thought. I would have taken 180 on that pitch especially after someone had made a 39-ball 81. Down the line in the group, we know that we’ll have to play good cricket to win the game, that’s the humbleness which has kept us in good stead. Everyone wants to contribute, but they accept difficult positions and want to come out on top. It’s all about playing good cricket consistently, irrespective of a win or a loss.”

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya also lauded Vijay Shankar for his unbeaten knock of 51 runs from only 24 balls. Shankar has been in amazing form in the ongoing season as he has scored 199 runs in six matches at an average of 49.75 and a strike rate of 165.83.

Pandya added, “He’s fitter, more confident and the amount of hard work he’s done is terrific. Going forward, you’ll see a lot of Vijay Shankar, I always believe in my life that good guys go to good places, I’m very happy.”

Gujarat Titans will next take on Delhi Capitals on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024