Pune: Kings XI Punjab skipper George Bailey says his side were 20 runs short and missed a few catches besides a couple of run outs in defeat to title holders Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League game on Saturday.
“We were 20 runs short with the bat, we dropped a few catches and missed a couple of run outs... We did not do either of the disciplines well,” Bailey said at the post match presentation ceremony after the Kings lost by four wickets to the Knights at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium here.
Bailey lavished praise on KKR batsman Andre Russell who bagged the man of the match award for a scintillating 35-ball 66 besides taking two wickets with the ball.
“Full credit to Russell. Russell threw away our plans,” said the Australian, who earlier led front the front with a 45-ball 60 to propel his side almost singlehandedly to a formidable 155/9.
However, the Russell storm put cold water on the Kings’ efforts as the Knights coasted to victory piling up 159/6, with 13 balls still remaining.
He also had some good words for Yousuf Pathan, who supported Russell with a 24-ball 28.
“Yousuf reined in his natural game and played along with Russell.”
A dejected Bailey said it was time his team pulled up their socks with some more tough games lined up next.
“We need a kick up the backside. We are playing two top teams next — Chennai and Rajasthan. If that doesn’t do it, then nothing will do it.”
