Sam Curran reacts to MI’s 9-run victory over PBKS: “Heartbreak for the guys to come so close and lose” | Cricket News

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PBKS captain Sam Curran identified the team’s shortcomings following another narrow loss in the Indian Premier League. This marks the fifth instance this season where PBKS has been defeated in the final over of a match.

PBKS captain Sam Curran expressed disappointment following yet another final-over thriller loss for his team in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League. Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Curran sarcastically remarked that the franchise seemed to have developed a fondness for these nail-biting finishes.

This marked PBKS’ fifth defeat in the final over of a match, with three of those losses occurring at their home ground in Mullanpur. Despite a rocky start at 14/4, PBKS nearly maintained a run-a-ball chase in the final four overs of the game, largely thanks to the valiant efforts of finisher Ashutosh Sharma, who hammered 61 runs off just 28 balls. However, their hopes were dashed when Ashutosh was dismissed while attempting a six in the 18th over of the match.

“Another close one. This team (PBKS) loves close games. Did well to get close, thanks to Ashutosh (Sharma). Gutted, but a great effort to get that close,” Sam Curran said after the match.

“No question when you have lost early wickets throughout the tournament. Heart-breaking for the guys to take it close and lose,” Curran added.

The PBKS captain commended the Indian uncapped duo of Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh for their consistent performances in the Indian Premier League. Shashank kickstarted the PBKS chase with a brisk 41 off 25 balls, providing crucial momentum.

Facing a daunting situation at 14 for 4, Shashank took on the fiery MI bowling attack with a composed innings, featuring two boundaries and three sixes. Meanwhile, Ashutosh displayed even greater aggression, smashing 28 runs off just 10 balls, including a remarkable six off Bumrah with an exquisite sweep shot. The confidence exuded by the Railways batter was palpable throughout the match.

“The two batters have incredible confidence in their abilities. Hopefully, in the next few games, we can win the close games,” he said.

Following the defeat, PBKS currently stand in 9th position in the league table, having accumulated 4 points from 7 matches.