Pune, April 19 (IANS) Kings XI Punjab skipper George Bailey said his side scored 20 runs short and missed a few catches besides a couple of run outs to bow down to title holders Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League game on Saturday.

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"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.

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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 Yusuf Pathan, who supported Russell with a 24-ball 28.

“Yusuf reined in his natural game and played along with Russell.”

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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.”

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Saurabh Sharma
Saurabh Sharma is the Editorial Head of Cricketnmore Hindi and a passionate cricket journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports media. He began his journalism career with Navbharat Times, part of the Times of India Group, before moving to television media with Sadhna News. In 2014, he joined Cricketnmore and currently serves as the editor of the platform.
Known for his deep understanding of cricket statistics and unique storytelling approach, Saurabh specializes in cricket news, match analysis, records, and feature stories. Along with editorial responsibilities, he also works as a show producer for popular cricket video series such as Cricket Tales, Cricket Flashback, and Cricket Trivia. Read More
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