Openers doing exceptionally well: Miller

Kings XI Punjab skipper David Miller said he was happy with the overall performance of the team and credited the openers as well as the bowlers for doing an efficient job in helping the team clinch its first home game comprehensively.

David Miller was all praise for his bowlers who kept a check on the RPS batsmen on Sunday.

Kings XI Punjab skipper David Miller was a relieved man after his team won its first game of the season on home ground in comprehensive fashion. More than the result, it was the manner in which it came that would be heartening for the South African.

“It’s a good feeling...nice to beat a team like that. We hope to get some good momentum with that. The opening pair has done exceptionally well in the last three games so all credit to them. We needed 50 off 40 balls. (Glenn) Maxwell pulled off a great innings so all in all, I think the guys did really well,” he said after the game.

Miller also praised his bowlers for keeping a check on the opposition. “I think it was a bit of both (poor batting from RPS and tight bowling) to be honest. We managed to pick up a couple of wickets at key times. I think it’s tough to score when you have to keep rebuilding,” he said.

On the other hand, RPS’ Steve Smith was disappointed with both the team’s batting and bowling. The Australian captain admitted the team fell at least 20-25 runs short of a winning target while also acknowledging that the team’s bowling hasn’t really fired so far in the competition.

“We had a good partnership going (with Faf du Plessis) and it would have been good for one of us to be there at the end. But we both got out and it’s hard for someone new coming in. We haven’t had a great start in the two games before this as well, we have let the game get away from us at the start,” he admitted.